It is important to respect your family and your ancestors. One way to show both your family and your ancestors respect is by visiting the cemetery where your family resides. Find where that cemetery is, and then make sure that you are prepared for the visit.

Finding Where Your Relatives Are Located

The first thing that you need to do is find out where family and ancestors are buried, if you do not already know. Another elderly family member who attended the funeral home services of deceased family members may be able to tell you in which cemetery or cemeteries your family and ancestors are buried.

If no one in your family knows, you can check your ancestor's death certificates, or you can look up information and records from the local papers. If that doesn't work, you can turn to online resources that help you find out where your ancestors are buried.

Find Out When the Cemetery Is Open

Once you find out which cemeteries your family and ancestors are buried in, you need to find out when they are open. Many cemeteries allow people to come and visit grave sites and lay down flowers during daylight hours.

However, the actual offices for cemeteries generally have very limited hours. If you have not visited the cemetery before, it can be difficult to find the grave sites. If you visit the cemetery office, they will provide you with a map so that you can more easily find your loved one's grave.

Be Prepared When You Visit

If you are visiting an older cemetery, you need to be prepared. There are limited roads in some older cemeteries, and you will more than likely be doing some walking and hiking around, so make sure you wear appropriate shoes.

 Old gravestones can accumulate dirt on them over time. You are going to want to bring some gardening tools with you so that you can clean up the grave sites and gravestones when you get to the cemetery.

You are also going to want to bring some basic grass clippers so that you can trim back any grass or plants growing near or on the gravestones. You should also bring a soft brush so that you can clean the dirt off the stones. You may want to bring a foam kneeling pad so you can sit and clean things up more easily.

You may also want to bring a camera so you can take pictures of the gravestones. This will help you create a record of your family and ancestors, and will leave you with something to remember your visit.