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5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Urn
Choosing an urn for a loved one is an incredibly personal decision. Like selecting a burial plot, casket, and headstone, an urn is a final resting place that can be as simple or as extravagant as you’d like. There are many types and styles of urns to choose from, and the decision can seem overwhelming. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled this list of 5 important things to consider when choosing an urn: Purpose While all urns are options for your loved one’s final resting place, determining how the urn will be used is an important first…
5 Beautiful Ways to Memorialize an Infant
Losing a pregnancy or infant is something no one wants to talk about. The loss leaves a deep wound in your heart that will never heal. Unfortunately, an estimated 1% of all pregnancies in the United States end in a stillbirth, and approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies result in a miscarriage. How can you keep reminders of a baby who was on Earth for such a short time but has made a permanent impact on your family? We’ve collected 5 beautiful ways to memorialize an infant: Jewelry Jewelry is one of the more common remembrances kept by grieving families, as…
10 Unique Memorials of American Wars
Veterans memorials and war memorials are important pieces of the way nations process and recover from wars and military conflicts. They’re used to remember the dead and honor those who served, and remind generations to come of the sacrifices made. Though everyone knows the larger national memorials, such as the Vietnam Wall or the Korean War Memorial, cities and states across the nation have found interesting ways to commemorate their residents’ parts in each military conflict. Here are 10 interesting veterans memorials from American wars: Revolutionary War – Molly Stark Statue, Wilmington, VT (rickpilot_2000 // Flickr) Elizabeth “Molly” Page Stark…
3 Ways to Remember a Loved One on the 4th of July
The 4th of July is often portrayed as a day for barbecues and beer, swimming and sand. But the true meaning of the day – to the founders of the United States and all those who have fought for our freedoms – can get lost in all the food and fun. If you have lost a loved one that served, the 4th of July can be an especially difficult time. Here are 3 ways to remember your loved one this 4th of July: Attend a 4th of July Service Many towns host 4th of July services, whether they be parades…
Spotlight: Victorian Funerary Customs
The Victorian era, or the latter part of the 19th century, is a time often associated with elaborate funerals and mourning customs. Much of the traditions of the time stemmed from the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. Queen Victoria and her entire court wore mourning for three years after his death, well past the customs of the time. Victorian funeral customs are varied and complicated. Here are some of the basic customs, as well as some interesting superstitions from the era: Dress Black was, as today, the official color of mourning. A man could continue working…
5 Unique Ways to Memorialize a Late Pet
Dogs and cats are as much a part of the family as any human, for many. The loss of a furry companion can be devastating, and you and your family may go through a long, difficult grieving process. You may choose to memorialize your pet with cremation, storing the ashes in an urn or other receptacle. Or, you may decide to bury your pet in your backyard or another significant place. These are great ways to remember your beloved animal friend, but you may be looking for something more unique to help you remember Fluffy or Fido. Here are 5…
Choosing Cremation: Do I Need a Memorial Marker?
Cremation rates in the United States have been on a steady climb since the 1970s. In 2016, half of all Americans were cremated, up from 5% in 1970 and 27% in 2001. There are many reasons this number has been on the rise, including the lower cost of cremation over burial, as well as the conservation of cemetery space. While cremation opens up a variety of unique options for containers to store remains, it presents the question for many: Do I need a memorial marker if I choose cremation? The answer is you don’t need a memorial marker, but it is an option…
10 Famous Epitaphs: The Good, the Bad, and the Weird
Though many people opt for descriptive inscriptions (“Wife, Mother, Daughter”) or Biblical quotes on their tombstones, epitaphs have always been as unique as the people they memorialize. Here are 10 epitaphs of famous people that we just can’t forget: Jesse James “Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here” Outlaw Jesse James was famous for his bank robbery sprees, including one that led to a $10,000 reward for his capture. On April 3, 1882, an unarmed James was shot in the back of the head while fixing a picture hanging on his wall by Bob…
5 Important Questions To Ask When Choosing a Memorial
Selecting a memorial for your departed loved one can be an emotionally taxing event. You want to create a beautiful stone to mark your loved one’s resting place, but with so many options, how do you choose? Let us help guide you in your process. Here are 5 important questions to ask when choosing a memorial: What Are the Rules of the Cemetery? Most cemeteries have rules and regulations that guide the type and style of memorials that can be placed. Some cemeteries, for example, don’t allow above-ground stones or statuary. Other locations don’t allow flowers or anything left at…