What is the primary purpose of a cemetery as it relates to the public?

The primary purpose of a cemetery in relation to the public is to allow the public to treat the dead with reverence. Cemeteries serve as places of remembrance where individuals can honor and pay their respects to those who have passed away. This function is central to the emotional and social needs of the community, as it provides a dedicated space for mourning, reflection, and commemoration of loved ones.

Cemeteries are designed to be respectful environments where the deceased are laid to rest, allowing friends and family to engage in rituals and memorial practices that have significant cultural and personal importance. This reverence is critical for fostering a sense of connection to the past and acknowledging the lives of those who have contributed to the community.

While other functions, such as maximizing land use or becoming tourist attractions, may be ancillary benefits of a cemetery, they do not reflect its primary mission. The sacred nature of cemeteries and the emphasis on respect for the deceased underscore their intended role in society as vital spaces for grief and commemoration.