Hello Liters, In 2000 I received and posted this web sit on several list and boards. I think it would be a good time to post it once more to make new List members aware of the need to protect the final resting place of our ancestor, friends, loved ones, and valuable data. I know many of you will get this several times. I am not sorry as this is an important issue. Sometimes we need more than one time to remind us to act. Doris "I know that most of you are into genealogy as I am and if you have ever visited an older cemetery, you know what deplorable condition many of them are in. Are you aware that many states permit building on cemeteries if they are beyond a certain age? Firms will bulldoze right over headstones without so much as an "I'm sorry that we're burying your ancestors and their history will be permanently lost but that's business." It's too late for many family gravesites and older cemeteries but something can be done to preserve what is left and I would appreciate it if you would take just a moment of your time to help. I have just read and signed the online petition: "National Cemetery Protection Act" hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition service, at: http://www.petitiononline.com/sg0001/petition.html I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself. Whether or not you feel that this is an important issue, I would also appreciate it very much if you would pass this message along to anyone you think might add their support to the cause. I think that preserving cemeteries is an important issue. It seems a shame that stones that have withstood the elements for so long are destroyed by man by bulldozing or vandalism. Lesley" http://www.petitiononline.com/sg0001/petition.html