Green-wood cemetery is a big, beautiful cemetery, but they are disrespecting the dead.
They have concerts and family day events with picnics, music, drinking on the grave sites.
Where I come from, I was taught that you don't walk or even step on a grave, but these people are throwing parties and concerts on them!
People bring their lawn chairs, coolers, food, and set up on the graves! They then proceed to eat, drink (alcohol and non alcoholic beverages) and have a party on top of the graves of those that have passed. Not only do they have these events they CHARGE for them AND there is a huge grass lot not inside of the cemetery where they could have their events without being disrespectful.
Infuriated, I emailed them letting them know how disrespectful they were being and the director of marketing replied this:
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Thanks for your response -- we appreciate the feedback. It’s always good to hear from the folks who, like us, are really passionate about Green-Wood. There are few things I can share with you on this front. The meadow suggestion is a good one, however, we’ve opted instead to hold the concert on the other side of the Arches for a couple of reasons. That location frees up the meadows to park cars (an important amenity) and also gives concert-goers the backdrop of the Arch and a real sense of being at Green-Wood. Even better, people have some shade, which on days like yesterday was really welcome.
I appreciate your comments about having people so close to the actual gravestones. For us, who are here every day among those who’ve gone before us and their memories, we think of it slightly differently. First, please be assured that all of us here share a great respect for persons interred here and are very proud to work for this historic and important national landmark. As our historian points out “I was reluctant to walk on graves when I started doing tours. Then I realized that those buried here would be happy to know that people come by and visit them and Green-Wood. In fact, we’re appreciating the Green-Wood in the same way that they appreciated it when they chose it as their final resting place.” Most of the gravestones you’re speaking of are over a century old and among some of the most beautiful in the cemetery. However, there are a few more recent burials near that area, and to your point, we will think about roping them off for next year’s concert. Of course, regardless of the dates, everyone is very respectful of the stones and the memories of those interred beneath them.
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I, for one, believe that those that have gone on WOULD INDEED mind that folks are walking, eating, drinking and sitting on their graves! This is an outrage and such a disgrace.
My hope is that we will get enough signatures to put a stop to these disgraceful and disrespectful events they have on the graves of those trying to rest in peace.

Here is a little Cemetery Etiquette for Green-Wood Cemetery. Please, sign the petition and pass it on if you feel the same way.

Cemetery Etiquette:

A cemetery is a unique place. While it is part of the everyday scene, it is not part of everyday life. That is to say, it is a place where tranquility and quiet are the desired norm, and activities of everyday life should be suspended.
Making the Most of This Unique Place
Cemetery visitors should:
1.Be sympathetic.

2.Do not play loud music in cars, with the windows down, for everyone to hear.

3.Keep children in ‘check.’

4.No running, yelling, or rolling around on the ground. This is not a place for childhood games. Don't let them play on any of the monuments. While it is good to get children used to paying respects at a cemetery, they often don't fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.

5.Do your best to not walk on or over the graves.
Common sense leads you to know the basic shape of a grave; walk in between the headstones, and don’t stand on top of a burial place.

6.Follow cemetery rules.
Most have a sign near the entrance stating hours, rules about decorations, etc. Obey these rules. Rules about decorations serve to make sure the cemetery doesn't collect too much debris that the caretakers need to clean up. Flowers and other things can blow in the wind. It would be especially nice if any trash along the way was picked up, regardless of who left it.

7.Try not to remain in the cemetery after dark.
Most cemeteries are open from dawn to dusk.

8.Don't litter.
This creates extra work for the caretakers, and shows disrespect to the other families who come to mourn their loved ones. “Pack your trash” is a good rule of thumb: take your refuse with you when you go, or put it in trash receptacles.
9.Leash your pets. (**Note** In my personal opinion, pets should never be allowed on the grounds. Especially allowed to "use the bathroom")

10.Follow the roadways and don't drive on the grass.
Drive slowly and obey any traffic signs posted in the cemetery. Be careful to avoid any people since they might be upset and not paying complete attention to where they are going.

11.Be respectful.
Keep the volume of voices down, and don’t use offensive language.
Don't be overly friendly when talking to strangers.
Other visitors may want to be alone.

12.Don't touch any monuments or gravestones.
They are very meaningful to the families who placed them there. Some older memorials might be in disrepair and might fall apart under the slightest touch.

13.Don't take photos of other people or other funerals.
This is a very private time for people. It's best to steer clear of any funerals occurring, and don't get in the way of funeral processions.