German cemeteries are not as useful for genealogical purpose as
    those in the US.  Normally gravesites are leased for 20-25 years,
    after which they may be renewed or usually revert to the cemetery
    owner (church or town) and are reused.  Some gravesites are sold
    to a family and used for generations, but even then the site is
    reused within the family.  Some gravestones of historic importance
    are retained for the long term.  Gravesites are maintained by the
    families.  Sometimes cemeteries are converted to parks, but retain
    their cemeterial nature.  Graves in 20th-century military
    cemeteries are not reused, but are maintained by a commission as a
    reminder of the honor of soldiers and the horror of war.

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