One of the most serene retreats in Austin takes to the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal (the feature begins above the fold and those not subscribers can read a lot of it through the window of the vending machine): “For Texas Greats, The Hottest Address Is Six Feet Under: TV Stars and Bureaucrafts Line Up for Burial Plots.”

The feature in part focuses on the attempts of those who, although not meeting one of the original requirements for burial in the state cemetery, believe that they fall under the amended statutory qualifications by being among those who have made “significant contributions to Texas history and culture in the following fields: air and space, agriculture, art and design, business and labor, city building, education, industry, justice, military affairs, law enforcement, oil and gas, performing arts, philanthropy, ranching, religion, science and medicine, sports, and writing.”

Within the Texas State Cemetery the roar of IH-35, so close to the west, is forgotten. The Lone Star Flag is flying in more examples than are easily to be seen at any location anywhere besides a governor’s inaugural parade. And when downtown seems to have no parking that’s free and there’s not even parking by the old French Legation, there’s always a peaceful spot along the west side of the cemetery grounds.

If you think you deserve permanent rest in the historic and beautiful grounds of the state cemetery, check out Texas Government Code chapter 2165, section 256(d). Maybe it’s not too late to aspire to and achieve the requisites. Those who visit your grave will enjoy one of Austin’s finest views.