[nicmarlo]

I understand that, but many cemeteries, regardless of previously allowing traditional headstones throughout the cemetery, will no longer allow doing so at all; others may allow it to continue, but only in a certain area.

[HairOfTheDog]

I understand that, but many cemeteries, regardless of previously allowing traditional headstones throughout the cemetery, will no longer allow doing so at all

It's true... older graves may have tall headstones that are 'grandfathered in', but many (most) cemetaries will only allow new headstones to be flush with the ground. If there is a headstone there, it's a small one.

Another thing to consider, not knowing when the photo was taken, is that it sometimes takes a few ~months~ to have a headstone made and placed.

All this is just to help inform... not to explain this awful picture.