How should people behave in a cemetery?

[famshoe22]

We live near a lovely cemetery that has a one-mile loop of roadway that is well-used as a recreation area for local runners, bicyclists, walkers, etc. Sometimes the neighborhood children like to play around the cemetery after dark. Is any of this appropriate? Is it ever acceptable to walk over the graves? I would like to learn traditional protocols for respectful behavior in a cemetery so that I can teach my children.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Customs can differ based on whether the cemetery belongs to a particular religious group, but here is a helpful general list (quoted below) that I found while researching your question online (please note that the link is intended for reference purposes only):

1. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
2. Do not touch memorials or artifacts. They are privately owned outdoor sculptures.
3. Do not bring alcohol, firearms, or entertainment items into cemeteries.
4. Show respect for the dead.
5. Maintain supervision of children and teach them to respect the dead.
6. Keep pets under control and clean up after them.
7. Do not litter; this includes cigarette butts.
8. Do not interfere with the plants or wildlife that inhabit the cemetery.
9. Keep your vehicle on designated roadways or in parking areas.
10. Do not leave vehicle idling; this can damage historic structures and sculptures.
11. Please stay on designated walkways or footpaths.
12. Obey posted times of operation or refer to local laws on the matter.
13. Promptly report suspicious activities or vandalism to local authorities.

As for runners, bicyclists, and walkers, so long as they remain on designated paths and roads, it seems okay to use those paths and roads for exercise.