To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs.

Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and Vietnam “Wall” in Washington, D.C are examples of memorialization, which demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead.

Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified treatment for a loved one’s mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

• Also known as monument, tombstone or marker.
• Normally a bronze, granite or marble memorial made to last perpetually.
• A way of memorializing and marking our existence.

Cemeteries normally allow all types of memorialization although some cemeteries establish a certain type memorial for individual gardens or areas.

Most upright memorials are made of granite, which comes in a variety of colors depending on quarry.

Flat markers are normally made from bronze and mounted on flat granite bases or granite slabs or markers. Marble is not normally used due to its softness.

Memorials can be personalized in so many ways. Emblems, coloring, photographs, poetry, verses, and scriptures all lend depth and special touches for those you leave behind.

Veterans are entitled to a free government marker, which is ordered at the time of death with a Veteran’s Military Discharge Form DD-214.

Regulations
Check the cemetery or memorial park for their memorial regulations before choosing a memorial to honor your loved one. The cemetery retains the right to require memorials that meet their individual cemetery regulations.