Cheyenne, Wyoming

Proud Public Servants ~ The Police:  His survivors must have been proud of his role in bringing some peace of mind to urban Wyoming. Not only did they put his picture on his headstone, they also made sure the Officer's badge and uniform were there for everyone to see. Mount Olivet Cemetery. [2013]

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Proud Public Servants ~ The Police:  Keeping Camp Hill safe became his calling, and he ended his career as Chief of Police. Now, he has a place of honor in the borough's cemetery, where he continues to wield the authority of his badge. Here, the job of keeping his neighbors in line must be infinitely easier than the ones he confronted in life. Camp Hill Cemetery. [2013]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Cause of Death ~ Murdered:  Cemeteries are more about life than death. In fact, any reference to death is rare. Rather, tombstones almost always honor the life lived or project what life will be like on the other side. Here is the exception, however. Here lies a 41-year-old husband who was murdered, his widow wailing: "Oh call my husband back to me." Graphologists would recognize the down-slant of the cry as a sign of depression and, perhaps, suicidal tendencies. Note also the marriage knot, which is neither broken nor drawn tight. Mount Calvary Cemetery. [2013]

Tombstone, Arizona

Cause of Death ~ One Murdered, One Hanged:  When the name of the place is Tombstone, you expect to find a city of the dead somewhere in town. These two 'fellers' died with their boots on and are buried in Boothill, a name given to many cemeteries of the American West. While the words are authentic, the markers are not. In fact, Boothill has been manicured to appeal to the tourist market. Few cemeteries are more fun to visit than this one. Boothill Graveyard. [1987]

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Cause of Death ~ Drunk Driver:  A holiday like Labor Day makes the warning all the more urgent: Please don't drink and drive. If you do, you may take the life of a 25-year-old with so much more to give the world. And, you may diminish the lives of the many he touched and are now left behind. Wellsboro Cemetery. [2013]

Selma, Alabama

Canine Grave Guardians:  They are far too friendly looking to be grave guardians.  Maybe they're shabtis outside the tomb rather than inside like their ancient Egyptian ancestors. Whatever role they play, they won't be lonely because there are two of them. Look closely and you will see a few more shabtis. Lincoln Cemetery. [2013]

Covington, Georgia

Canine Grave Guardians:  Man's best friend: in life and in death. A dachshund stands guard at his master's grave, looking as sad as every visitor who comes to pay their respects. Southview Cemetery. [2015]