As a superintendent of a cemetery, I feel that I must respond to Howard L. Brenner’s letter “Funeral tradition” (Voice of the people, Feb. 3).
I can understand his concerns regarding the dangers of a slow-moving funeral procession in urban traffic; it is his callous remarks, however, that I find so upsetting.
I can only hope that he has not lost someone important to him, that he has no experience with grief.
It is so important for the loved ones to accompany the casket on the journey to the final resting place. Even in miserable weather, the families prefer to have a graveside service rather than go to the chapel where they could be more comfortable. This is their final good-bye, and the funeral process would not be complete without it.
Possibly a solution would be for the mourners to meet at the cemetery at a predetermined time. But never should the funeral end in a cold and impersonal funeral chapel.
