The Bosnian Serbs have not allowed humanitarian agencies access to the suspected mass grave sites.

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Some funeral-industry professionals believe these online memorials and virtual grave sites provide a valuable service.

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Instead of above-ground tombstones, the park uses flat, engraved markers for grave sites, so from afar all you can see are grassy hills.

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But after Christianity was legalized in 313 AD, funerals moved above ground, and by the 5th Century, the use of catacombs as grave sites dwindled, though they were still revered as sacred sites where pilgrims would come to worship.

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"These people are so desperate that, even during the fighting, they would go to grave sites and dig up the bodies, thinking they would find their loved ones, " Messoudi tells me from the base in Tripoli where the ICRC is trying to advise and help the fledgling and inexperienced Libyan authorities.

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For the Web site Find a Grave, she often volunteers to track down and photograph the burial sites of people's ancestors.

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"Based on our members' feedback, I'd have to say that virtual memorial sites are gaining popularity with the public as a very practical alternative to being present at the grave site, " he added.

CNN: New services promise online life after death