Author: futurecemetery

A cemetery is a place where people visit to remember their loved ones who have passed away. They can also learn about the history of the community from their gravestones.

While many people see cemeteries as a sad place, they can be a wonderful space for reflection and peace. It is important to respect the privacy of those who are buried there and not disturb them.

Origin

Originally, providing a resting place for one’s loved ones was a family duty. This reflected the widespread belief that ties of kinship last beyond death. The family might bury its members in a grave, tomb, above-ground vault, mausoleum, or columbarium.

A cemetery is a large burial ground independent of any church, and it usually contains various styles of tombs, mausoleums, and columbaria, reflecting the different cultures and beliefs around death. It also has administrative offices and grounds and facilities for the funeral service, interment, and maintenance of the cemetery’s infrastructure. The word cemetery is derived from the Greek words for “sleeping place” and is a secular alternative to church-affiliated graveyards. The word is also related to the Latin word coemeterium, for “burial ground.” The term was first used in the 19th century for large public cemeteries that were not attached to a church. It is often used interchangeably with the term graveyard, but some people prefer to reserve the latter for private burials.

Functions

A cemetery carries multiple social and individual functions. It is a place where the relationship between the dead and bereaved can be maintained. It is a site where the bereaved find consolation in visiting and commemorating the deceased, in planting around the grave, and in decorating the plot. It is also a location where family and community loyalties are linked and reaffirmed.

The location, arrangement, and design of a cemetery reflect basic cultural beliefs about death and life, the social class of its inhabitants, and the prevailing notions of sanitation. Its inscriptions and the size, shape and color of grave markers emphasize beliefs about resurrection, eternal life and the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead.

The difference between a graveyard and a cemetery is its association or lack of association with a church. Graveyards are associated with a church and are often located within the church’s grounds or campus while cemeteries are not associated with a particular church and may be quite expansive in size.

Styles

Grave markers, headstones and monuments can be found in many styles to match a family’s preferences. They can be flat or raised and may be set flush on the ground, or they can be displayed in a slant marker style. A slant marker is wider at the bottom and tapers to a more narrow top causing the back of the memorial to be higher than the front.

A very popular design is a book or scroll shape, often appearing as flat markers but also in upright headstones. This is an elegant and distinctive way to mark a grave.

Other unique shapes include a cross, or a carved animal that symbolizes strength, courage, the military, or that person’s love of nature. A dolphin for example could represent intelligence, freedom or teamwork and a lion might signify power or strength. Alternatively, a garden statue is a beautiful way to commemorate your loved one and can be placed outside of a cemetery.

Locations

Various factors influence the location of cemeteries. For example, sanitary precautions in the past led to church graveyards being located outside the walls of city centers; this prevented the spread of infectious diseases. Similarly, zoning regulations may limit the number of graves that can be permitted in an area.

Some modern cemeteries are located away from city centers to protect them from potential pollution and congestion. These are usually called rural or garden cemeteries, and may include park-like landscaping and memorial gardens.

In addition to the traditional cemetery style, many families choose to use columbariums (niches) for the interment of cremated remains. These are often combined with a mausoleum and may be found on the grounds of the cemetery or within the grounds of another funeral home.

Whether the cemetery is public or private, the management of the facility will dictate the financial viability through on-going maintenance charges and perpetual care funds. In addition, the management will have sole and exclusive control over all grading, planting, surveying and improvement of individual lots in the cemetery.

Located on Marcellus Road, memorial park is one of the Village’s most beautiful places for residents to enjoy. The park has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.

The Park was once home to a native zoo. Its animals were rustic and blended in with our local environment.

History

Almost 100 years ago, the United States entered World War I (1914-1918), a brutal conflict that claimed 116,000 lives. The Allies gained a decisive advantage in the European battlefields, and at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, an armistice was signed.

Rather than the competing headstones of traditional cemeteries, memorial parks use tasteful bronze monuments lying flat on landscaped plots. Central water features, statuary and other site amenities accentuate the overall beauty of the park-like burial grounds.

The park was originally created to honor local service members who died in the Great War (WWI). It is a secluded open space nestled among old-growth redwoods that offers a multitude of camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Visitors will find a wide variety of plant and animal species, including banana slugs, woodpeckers, owls, Steller’s jays, deer and squirrels. The park is also home to a seasonal creek and Pescadero State Beach.

Memorial Walls

Memorial Park is home to one of Long Island’s most fitting 9-11 memorials and also includes a Veterans Memorial honoring all village residents who served their nation. Memorials are found throughout the Park including a Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the USS Columbia warship memorial.

The central piece of the park is the Wall South, a permanent memorial to the names of the American service members who died in the Vietnam War. Modeled after the Wall in Washington, D.C., the Memorial is unique because of its concrete walls and openings which allow light to shine through them and illuminate the names on the monument.

The main focus of SPLOST 2020 Project #16 is to replace failed stormwater structures currently hindering Memorial Park’s ability to function. The existing pond and forebay require dredging, re-engineering and significant repairs to prevent further failure. Visit the project story map to learn more details and provide feedback on the proposed designs.

Doughboy Statue

The bronze statue depicts a World War I foot soldier wearing an overseas cap, or doughboy. It was sculpted by Alonzo Victor Lewis, who also created several other WWI memorials around the region.

Lewis first modeled the doughboy in plaster for a 1921 reunion of local soldiers, then cast it in bronze to honor those from Caddo County who died in the Great War. A similar sculpture stands in Lincoln Park, and a third can be found in Palmer Park.

The doughboy is positioned at the memorial park’s “mustering ground” where local troops gathered before going off to fight in WWI. Ten of these local men never returned home, earning them the distinction of making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The memorial commemorates all the local service members who made this ultimate sacrifice, and a nearby plaque lists their names. The memorial is a fine example of the type of artwork that prompted battles over its meaning and symbolism during the time it was being constructed.

Peace Statue

The Peace Statue, also known as the Children’s Peace Monument or the Atomic Bomb Children’s Memorial, was built in 1958 and honors the thousands of children who died as a result of the Hiroshima nuclear bombing. The statue depicts a young girl named Sadako Sasaki holding a wire crane above her head. It is based on the Japanese legend that states that anyone who folds one thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish. Sadako began folding origami cranes shortly before she died of radiation poisoning and hoped her final wish would be for world peace.

The statue is a symbol of hope, and her closed eyes represent prayers and respect for the victims of the bombing. The bent right leg symbolizes meditation and the left is a reminder that war must never be repeated. The sculpture stands atop a hill at the memorial park, which also houses other military monuments, including a colonnade for World War II and ones commemorating the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The Bureau licenses funeral practitioners, funeral establishments and crematoriums. It also registers intern embalmers and investigates consumer/provider complaints. The Board also upholds high ethical standards for the industry.

You must give consumers a General Price List (GPL) when they inquire about funeral arrangements, whether by telephone or in person. You may offer package funerals, but you must also provide an itemized statement.

Licensing requirements

The funeral industry requires a license to operate. Licensed funeral directors and embalmers must complete educational requirements, pass national and state board exams, and serve an apprenticeship or internship. In addition, they must be of good moral character and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Some states prohibit applicants with felony convictions from receiving a license. However, these matters are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include: a high school diploma and a minimum of one or two years general collegiate coursework, mortuary college, and national and state board examinations. Licensing is also required for funeral establishments, crematoriums, and individuals engaged in the care and disposition of dead bodies.

Funeral providers must give a General Price List (GPL) to people who inquire in person about outer burial container offerings and prices. The GPL must contain at least the retail price of each type of outer burial container offered and enough information to identify each item. You do not have to send the GPL to people who make inquiries by telephone or mail, but you must provide them with the information upon request.

General price list

Price shopping funeral items and services can uncover savings and help you avoid overpaying. However, the emotional impact of losing a loved one can cloud judgment, so it is important to make thoughtful decisions and take your time. It is also important to understand your rights when you make arrangements with a funeral home or cemetery.

A discussion that includes prices or the selection of funeral goods and services triggers the requirement to offer a General Price List (GPL). This is true even if it takes place outside the funeral home. It is also a violation of the Rule to charge for a GPL or place conditions on its availability.

If you offer packages for direct cremations, your GPL must describe the services and container included in each price. You must also separately describe the price for forwarding and receiving remains and a basic services fee. You may include a description of the containers you offer in your GPL or incorporate this information into a book that contains photographs of each container.

Arrangements conference

The arrangements conference is a time set aside for the funeral director to meet with family members to discuss the details of a meaningful tribute and final disposition. This meeting can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, and it’s important that families are well-prepared. This will help them avoid any surprises or confusion during an already stressful and emotional time.

During the arrangement conference, a family should provide the funeral home with all necessary information about their loved one. This includes their social security number, birth and death dates, military status, place of death and more. This information is used to file the death certificate, request veterans burial benefits and life insurance claims.

During the arrangements conference, the funeral home should also present you with their General Price List and written descriptions of goods and services that they offer. They are required by law to give you this information before you sign any contracts.

Complaints

While most funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories strive to provide excellent service and satisfaction, errors and misunderstandings do occur. If you are dissatisfied with a particular provider, it is important to communicate your concerns directly with him or her. Meeting face-to-face is the best way to do this, but you can also communicate via phone or letter.

Most states have a board, agency or bureau that oversees funeral and cemetery services within their borders. Once you locate this oversight group, contact them via telephone or letter and inquire about the complaint-submission process.

In California, the Funeral Consumer Advocate’s office licenses 13 distinct permitting classifications in the death care industry, including funeral establishments, embalmers, apprentice embalmers, cemetery brokers and salespeople, and nearly two hundred private cemeteries. It also investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action when necessary. It also establishes qualifications for funeral directors and embalmers, and ensures that mortuary science programs offer supervised internships for students.

A mortuary is a room, or area in a hospital or coroner’s office where bodies are kept for identification and autopsies. It can also be found in some funeral homes that offer full service burial and onsite cremation services.

In emergency situations where deaths occur beyond a locale’s regular morgue capacity, government agencies often requisition facilities and equipment like ice rinks to act as temporary morgues.

Autopsy

The most important part of the mortuary process is an autopsy, usually performed by a pathologist in a specially equipped room. A pathologist may also conduct an autopsy in the field at a crime scene, exhumation site or in makeshift arrangements organized in the wake of disasters.

An autopsy begins with a physical examination of the body that includes notes on height and weight, scars and surgical incisions. The pathologist also examines the contents of the stomach to determine when the person last ate.

After the organs are removed, the pathologist dissects them (cuts into them) to see if there are any abnormalities inside. Small samples of tissue are also taken for microscopic examination. The organs are then either returned to the body or preserved for teaching and research.

The benefits of an autopsy include confirmation of diagnoses for living relatives, information about hereditary conditions and assessment of the success or failure of medical treatments. A forensic autopsy can also help solve crimes and provide valuable data on disease processes for physicians, researchers and hospitals.

Preparation for Burial or Cremation

The decision of whether to bury or cremate a body greatly impacts the mortuary process. When a person chooses cremation, their loved ones can select a casket or container to hold the remains. This decision may also have legal and estate planning implications that need to be taken into consideration.

If the family chooses a burial, the funeral director may embalm the body to restore the appearance for a viewing or public service. He will remove any jewelry or other personal items and wash the body again. He will then dress the body, if desired. He will also make a small incision on the right side of the neck, which is where two of the largest circulatory vessels, the carotid artery and the jugular vein, are located.

A metal identification tag is placed on the body, which will remain with it throughout the cremation process. A few days later the cadaver is taken from the mortuary to the crematorium.

Arrangements for a Funeral or Memorial Service

When you meet with a funeral director to discuss arrangements, you can do so at the mortuary, your home or, in some cases, even by telephone. If you and the funeral director decide to make arrangements in person, you will be given a General Price List. You will also receive an Itemized Statement, which includes contractual language that legally obligates you to pay for the services you select.

Many families incorporate religious components into their ceremonies, choosing hymns, readings, a priest or pastor to lead the service and more. Some add a memorial video, personal memorabilia and other touches that help family and friends remember the deceased.

You may want to hold a reception at the funeral home or another location, and you will need to coordinate with food vendors, florists and other services providers. You’ll likely want to plan for a burial or cremation, as well. You can also choose whether to have a public or private service, and you can decide if you’d like to have a viewing.

Preparing a Body

Whether the deceased will be buried or cremated, the staff at the mortuary takes care of the body by washing it and preparing it for the final resting place. This may include putting on clothes, closing the eyes and mouth, and removing any jewelry that will not be worn at the service.

For burial, the mortuary staff prepares the body by putting on clothes and arranging them in a casket. They also take out any medical devices that will not be re-used and dispose of them. If the deceased was an organ donor, doctors will remove the donated organs before the body is buried.

A standalone morgue or mortuary typically only focuses on identifying and preparing the body. However, if the mortuary is attached to a funeral home, it can offer full-service options such as embalming, a meaningful funeral service and on-site burial. The funeral home will also provide caskets and memorial products. This helps families with the process and creates a meaningful final place for loved ones to come together to mourn.

If you’re looking for the burial place of someone who has passed away, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. You’ll want to ensure that the burial ground is near family members, jives with religious beliefs and is easily accessible.

Historically, graveyards were associated with churches and located on church grounds. As the number of congregants began to increase, these graveyards began to run out of space.

What is a graveyard?

Until recently, graveyards were typically run by churches. Therefore, only church members were able to be buried there. However, this resulted in overcrowded graveyards and dead bodies infiltrating the water supply causing diseases like cholera. Eventually, people began to move away from the traditional church graveyards and start creating newer, landscaped cemeteries.

In the Middle Ages, wealthy or influential Christians were often interred inside of their church after death, in a crypt below the floor. The rest of the church’s congregants were then buried outside, in what became known as the graveyard.

The word ‘graveyard’ is a compound of the proto-Germanic word “graban” meaning to dig and gardan referring to an enclosed area of land. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though they have slightly different definitions on a technical level. The main difference is that a cemetery is commercially run while a graveyard is a part of a house of worship. They also have different rules and regulations.

Why are they called a graveyard?

Although the words graveyard and cemetery are often used interchangeably, they actually have very different meanings. Graveyards are generally associated with a church and only allow members of that church to be buried there. Cemeteries, on the other hand, are independent and can be used by people of any faith.

As the population grew, it became apparent that church-affiliated graveyards were becoming overcrowded. This led to problems such as disease and toxic gases from decaying bodies infiltrating the water supply. In order to address these issues, new burial grounds were needed. This is when cemeteries came into existence.

The word cemetery is derived from the Greek term koimeterion, which means “a sleeping place.” The Christian belief is that when we die our body goes into a temporary sleep until it is raised at the Resurrection. The pagans, however, believed that when our bodies are buried they go into a permanent resting place. This is why the cemetery is so often referred to as the final resting place.

What are the rules of a graveyard?

As a general rule, you should always ask the spirits before taking anything from a graveyard. This is especially important when it comes to taking flowers or anything else that you might want from a graveyard. Taking things from a graveyard can upset the spirits and cause them problems.

The rules of a graveyard are usually set by the caretakers of that cemetery. Most of the time these are simple rules such as respecting the dead and not disturbing them or their loved ones. It is also important to be careful when walking through a graveyard so that you don’t step on someone’s headstone or otherwise hurt yourself.

The difference between a graveyard and a cemetery is often confusing to people who don’t live near them. But understanding the distinction between these two places can help you to plan your own funeral arrangements and make sure that your next of kin understands what you want when you pass on.

What are the benefits of a graveyard?

The most obvious benefit is that a graveyard allows people to be interred in peace, in an area that has been specifically chosen and set aside for that purpose. Unlike a random patch of land next to a church, a cemetery has been designed for burials and has strict rules about what can be done there.

Another benefit is that it provides a natural habitat for flora and fauna. Native plant species thrive in the soil, and animals such as foxes and hedgehogs can be seen hunting or nesting there.

A cemetery can also be a source of income, as people are willing to pay for the opportunity to be buried there. This can help to keep older cemeteries open and reduce the need for them to be closed permanently. The revenue generated from the sale of plots can also be used to maintain cemetery grounds and facilities.

Cemetery Design involves the planning of a cemetery’s layout, architecture and landscape. It is a complex task that requires attention to detail.

The cemetery landscape must be flowing and aesthetically pleasing. It must be designed to minimize maintenance and cleanup. It must also be able to support wildlife and create a tranquil environment.

1. Landscape Design

In a cemetery design, landscape is an important aspect to consider. A cemetery needs to be well-designed in order to provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. It also needs to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.

This can be done by using different types of greenery, incorporating a variety of trees and shrubs, and providing directional signage throughout the grounds. Additionally, the cemetery should include ponds and water features that add beauty to the area and create a peaceful place for visitors.

It is essential to take the time to create a unique and beautiful cemetery. Too often, modern cemetery development obliterates the existing setting in order to create a cookie cutter place. I believe that the public would respond positively to a unique cemetery design that is responsive to its surroundings and culture.

2. Headstone Design

A headstone can be a beautiful way to memorialize a loved one. It can be engraved with their name, birth and death dates as well as other information such as an epitaph or carving. Some families like to incorporate a picture or photo of their loved ones into the design. It is important to consult with your monument company to ensure that the headstone will be in compliance with any regulations adopted by your cemetery.

Another option is to include a symbol such as flowers. Many different types of flowers have a specific meaning and can be used to convey your loved ones personality. For example, a sunflower could symbolize love for your children or grandchildren.

The shape of the headstone is also a factor that can be personalized. Square top headstones are very popular as they have a clean and simple finish. However, if you are looking for something with a slight bit of flair then an ogee top headstone may be the perfect choice.

3. Interior Design

Modern cemetery design aims to go beyond simply marking burial grounds. It is a vibrant celebration of life, family, history and individuality within a shared community. To achieve this, it takes a unique set of design skills.

When developing a master plan, identifying the various program elements and locating them on a site map is essential. This allows the cemetery to identify areas that are amenable for development and create a relationship between these spaces based on functional relationships. It also helps the architect determine if any areas that aren’t suitable for development should be avoided or reworked.

Once a cemetery has determined its programming it is time to start planning. This is where a good cemetery designer comes in, utilizing an understanding of market trends and the demographics of a given population to create an engaging layout that will be well received. This includes the use of aesthetically pleasing, clear and understandable signage to help visitors navigate.

4. Signage

A cemetery’s signage should be clear, easily understood from both a distance and up close. It should also be visually appealing from the road and should complement the landscape design.

Directional and identification signs help orient visitors and are usually located near the entrance to the cemetery or at key intersections within the cemetery site. The LA Group understands that many communities and volunteer groups have limited resources in restoring historic cemeteries. Our team can help them find ways to engage the community, explore grant funding and volunteer development opportunities, to enhance their efforts.

It is important to consider the demographics of your visitor base when designing a cemetery. If you are designing a cemetery to serve a younger crowd, for example, it may be necessary to include more green space and incorporate more recreational features. Additionally, proper grading is an important aspect of cemetery design. This ensures that water flows away from the gravesites and buildings, rather than pooling on the property.

Cemeteries are a link to the past and give us insights into the lives of the people in the community. Moreover, they offer a place where families can come together and remember their loved ones.

Cemeteries are often a green open area with architectural and sculptural features. They also perform an ecological function.

It’s a place of rest

When a person dies, it is traditional to spend time in the cemetery, remembering them and their life. It is also common to have meals here with family members who still live. However, this practice has become increasingly rare. In fact, many modern cemeteries forbid the public from eating on their grounds.

The difference between graveyard and cemetery is that a graveyard is affiliated with a church while a cemetery is not. A graveyard is usually smaller due to space constraints, and the church may have stipulations about which faiths can be interred in the graveyard.

In the 19th century, population growth was so rapid that church graveyards filled up, and independent sites called cemeteries were built to accommodate new burials. They are usually located away from town and city centers for more space. They are also typically less expensive than a church-affiliated graveyard. It is important to know the difference between these two types of burial grounds so you can make your final wishes clear and help your family understand.

It’s a place of reflection

Visiting a Cemetery is a unique experience, one that requires respect and sensitivity. Be mindful of other visitors’ feelings, and refrain from speaking loudly or disturbing the atmosphere with chit-chat. You can still share memories and celebrate your loved one’s life, but doing so in a respectful manner will enhance your experience.

Cemetery and graveyard are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A graveyard was originally a plot of land that adjoined a church, while a cemetery is a burial ground that is separate from a church or other religious building.

The term cemetery is also more inclusive than graveyard, as it was used for people of all faiths and cultures. In the past, a graveyard was reserved for Christians, but today’s cemeteries are open to people of all faiths. Moreover, a cemetery’s headstones provide insights into the larger story of a community, including its migration patterns and changing family structures.

It’s a place of honor

A cemetery is a unique place. It’s a somber, quiet acres quarantined from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s also a place where you can honor a person’s life and legacy. From a memorial video to a burial capsule, there are many ways to remember someone forever.

The word cemetery is derived from the Greek work koimeterion, which means “sleeping place.” It refers to an area set apart for burials. Unlike a graveyard, which is affiliated with a church, a cemetery can be used for people of any religion or no faith at all. Some cemeteries are large parks with lots of trees and are usually gated. Some families leave remembrance crosses, called znicze, at war graves or other prominent graves. Others place burning grave candles at a grave, a tradition in Catholic nations. These candles are typically lit on All Souls Day or at other times in remembrance of a loved one.

It’s a place of peace

Many people find comfort in visiting their loved ones at the cemetery. Although it may be a sad reminder of death, it can help the grieving process and provide peace and closure. It is also a place to remember the good times with a loved one. Many people visit their loved ones on special occasions, such as birthdays or the anniversary of their death, and they often leave flowers on the gravesite.

The word “cemetery” is derived from the Greek work koimeterion, which means sleeping place. While the term can be used interchangeably with “graveyard,” it is more common for the two to be distinguished as separate entities.

A cemetery is a piece of land that serves as the final resting place for deceased members of a particular religion. It differs from a graveyard in that it is usually unaffiliated with a specific church, and it is used for both traditional burials as well as cremains.

A Brooklyn architecture firm has won the competition to design an AIDS memorial park. It beat out 474 other entries in a contest hosted by Architectural Record and Architizer.

Unlike traditional cemeteries, memorial parks feature dignified bronze markers lying flat on landscaped plots. They also provide an atmosphere of natural beauty and peace for quiet meditation.

World War I

A memorial park is a public space that serves a dual purpose: to commemorate the dead and provide a space for people to visit, enjoy, play and interact. A good example of a memorial park is the World War I Memorial in Nyack, New York. This park is a beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who served in World War I. The park features baseball, basketball, a children’s playground, a skatepark and much more! It is the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking view of the Hudson River.

The Memorial is located on the site of the former St. Vincent’s Hospital campus, which was transformed into a public park through a community review process. It commemorates the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, of which more than 116,000 died, either in combat or from non-combat causes like the flu pandemic that struck just after the war’s end.

Unlike the other war memorials in Washington, the new World War I memorial is not a site-specific monument, but instead a broad landscape that will be used by the local community for recreation and celebration. The design blurs the lines between a memorial and a park, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors. The focal point of the design is a belvedere that provides a spectacular overlook of the entire memorial.

The design of the memorial honors the experiences and sacrifices of all the people involved in the war, including its civilian victims. It also recognizes the global impact of the conflict and its long legacy. It was the first war to introduce brutalities of trench warfare and chemical weapons, shattering Old World notions of battlefield nobility and leaving a generation of Americans with a deep distrust of authority. The war ended in 1919, but it sowed the seeds for a second, far more deadly global conflict 20 years later.

A significant feature of the memorial is a sculpture called “A Soldier’s Journey,” which depicts a soldier’s progression from homefront departure to battle to somber return. The piece is meant to capture the range of emotions experienced by America’s soldiers during this time.

In addition to the sculpture, the design incorporates flagstaff and quotes from President Woodrow Wilson that honor the American soldiers’ courage and valor during the war. The memorial also includes a central water feature, statues, and a plaza for gatherings.

The design for the memorial was chosen in a competition sponsored by the World War I Centennial Commission and led by the National Park Service and the US Commission of Fine Arts. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

Some skeptics question the need for a memorial to a global conflict that ended in the death of the last American veteran in 2011. But Libby O’Connell, chief historian of the Commission and chief historian emeritus of HISTORY/A&E Networks, says the Great War had a profound influence on American life. It fueled the cynicism of the “Lost Generation” of writers, spurred technological advances, and drove many social movements, including feminism and civil rights, that have had lasting impacts.

The Board licenses funeral directors, funeral establishments and crematoriums; registers intern embalmers; and investigates consumer/provider complaints. The Board also maintains updated statutes and rules governing the practice of funeral service.

It’s a good idea to document your final wishes in a health care proxy under New York law. Click the link to find out how.

Licenses

The funeral industry is regulated by state laws. The bureau licenses different funeral establishments and individuals in the field, investigates consumer complaints, and takes disciplinary action when necessary. It also regulates cemeteries and funeral directors by making sure they meet minimum standards of handling, arranging and disposing of the deceased.

Funeral directors must complete training and pass a national examination. Embalmers must pass a national exam and meet certain educational requirements. The board also requires that mortuary science programs provide supervised internships to students.

Consumers should always check the license of a funeral director or embalmer before hiring them to work with a loved one who has passed away. It is possible for a license to be denied by the board for criminal convictions, financial issues and misrepresentations on the application. Applicants who believe the denial of their license was unfair can challenge the decision by filing an appeal with the Board. The Board may hold a Statement of Issues hearing to review the complaint and determine whether or not the license should be reinstated.

Complaints

As the number of funeral providers continues to grow, miscommunications and errors can occur. It is important that consumers know what steps to take should they encounter a problem when planning for a funeral. In California, the state’s funeral bureau licenses embalmers, cemetery brokers and salespeople, as well as nearly two hundred private cemeteries, and investigates complaints against these establishments.

Investigations can be commenced by either a public complaint or an Administrative Inquiry. The investigation process involves taking statements from the complainant, the embalmer or funeral director and/or any potential witnesses.

Complaint investigations are shared between DPH Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). When complaints regarding business practices, such as preneed funeral service contract issues, involve licensed professionals, DCP may impose sanctions including cease and desist orders, civil fines, probation or a suspension of the professional’s license. Disciplinary actions taken by a funeral board are often made public depending on the state’s freedom-of-information or “sunshine” laws.

Home funerals

As the funeral industry consolidates, some consumers have decided that a home funeral is what best suits their family’s needs. Many of these families choose to work with a home-funeral guide or death midwife to help them carry out their loved one’s wishes in a more personal way.

The Rule requires that you tell people who call or write for information about your goods and services what your prices are. You must give them your General Price List (GPL), unless state or local law dictates otherwise.

You do not have to provide a GPL for pre-need arrangements if it is your practice not to make telephone calls after hours or not to send information by mail. However, if you do not respond to a call or letter, you must inform the person who made the inquiry that you will do so at their next opportunity. This is true regardless of whether you are licensed. The Bureau conducts undercover inspections to ensure that you are providing this information.

California

The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses, examines, and investigates complaints against 13 distinct permitting classifications in the funeral industry. These include memorial service foundations, funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers, cemetery brokers and salespersons, incinerated remains disposers, crematories, and the almost 200 authorized private cemeteries in the State of California.

If you have a complaint against a funeral or cemetery, you may contact the bureau to request a Statement of Issues and an administrative hearing. You have the right to be represented by counsel at the hearing, and you may subpoena witnesses.

A cemetery or funeral should always be licensed by the state in which it operates. The state’s funeral laws include provisions requiring the provider to provide a general price list and refrigeration when removing a body from a hospital or nursing home. The state also manages indigent burials and pauper burials for those with no insurance. The state does not license cemeteries operated by religious organizations; cities, counties, or cemetery districts; the military; or Native American tribal organizations.

The mortuary is a facility, often located in hospitals, where dead bodies are stored until the time of the funeral. The body is then prepared for burial, cremation or other methods of disposition.

A standalone morgue typically offers autopsy and embalming services, but not full-service funeral homes. A funeral home offers the full package, including memorialization products and a ceremony space.

Funeral director

A funeral director is responsible for planning memorial services and coordinating the burial or cremation process. They are also in charge of a number of administrative tasks, such as writing and posting obituary notices and handling documents related to insurance claims or veterans’ benefits. Funeral directors also provide emotional support to grieving families and may help them make decisions about funeral plans.

They often meet with family members soon after the death to explain their options, set up visitation and viewing times, and help write an obituary. They must be prepared to answer questions about funeral traditions and religious practices. They also maintain a casket showroom and display room, and must be knowledgeable about the different options available.

Previously, funeral directors were also known as morticians or undertakers. While many of the same duties remain, the profession now requires professional licensure. Licensed funeral directors have an associate degree in mortuary science, and many work under an experienced mortician for one to three years before becoming independent.

Embalming

Embalming is a common practice that helps to preserve the body of a deceased person. It is particularly useful for open casket funerals or when family members wish to spend time with their loved one after the death. The embalming process involves introducing special chemicals into the body, which delays the natural processes that cause decay and gives the deceased a more peaceful appearance.

Mortuary workers are often at risk for exposure to hazardous materials, especially formaldehyde. Employees must be trained to understand and follow the facility’s procedures for handling waste. This includes keeping a log of chemical categories and containers, and using proper personal protective equipment.

The first step in the embalming process is washing the remains with a disinfectant solution and then positioning them. The funeral director will then relieve the rigor of the body by flexing and massaging the arms and legs. This step is important because it relieves the pressure on the body’s largest circulatory vessels, which are found in the neck area (the carotid artery and the jugular vein). After this, blood is drained from the body and replaced with a fluid containing formaldehyde and other chemicals.

Preparation of the body

A mortuary is a medical facility that cares for dead people. It is also a place where people honor their loved ones after death. It can be located within a funeral home or as part of a public or private morgue. Its services include embalming and preparing the body for burial. The staff may also remove mechanical devices, such as pacemakers. A mortuary can also be used to prepare a body for alkaline hydrolysis, which is a greener alternative to cremation.

A mortuary must also comply with OSHA rules for worker safety. While there is a possibility that employees can contract a disease from working with a corpse, this is very rare. In most cases, the risk is more likely from medical equipment or materials that are left on the body. For example, a person who has undergone chemotherapy might have ports or traces of the medication.

In this photo, you can see two standard white mortuary trays. Above the trays is a machine that looks like a toilet, but it is used to drain blood and other fluids. This is important because it prevents purging, which can affect the quality of the work done on the body.

Disposition of the body

A dead body should be disposed of promptly and with dignity, observing standards of decency. This final disposition may include burial, entombment, inurnment, scattering, space burial, or delivery of cremated remains. A close relative of the deceased has a right to choose how a body is disposed.

A traditional funeral involves a casket, and it can be quite an elaborate affair. It can take days or even weeks to complete. During this time, the body is embalmed, groomed, and dressed. This is not the only way to dispose of a body, however.

Cremation has become increasingly popular in the United States and has even surpassed burial. This process is quicker and more cost effective than a traditional funeral, but it also poses some risks to the environment. Like any other business, mortuaries produce biohazardous waste that must be properly disposed of. This includes all materials that contain blood or bodily fluids as well as all equipment and vehicles used in corpse handling.