Category: News

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.

While researching your family history, it is important to visit cemeteries. Take a camera with you to photograph the headstones. Make sure to record full names and dates. You may also want to leave a flower or coin.

Historically, graveyards were affiliated with churches. But as church burial grounds filled up, new sites appeared that were independent of the churches.

A place where people are buried

As a general rule, people are buried in graveyards that adjoin churches. In the past, nobles and rich people were buried in crypts beneath or inside their church. As the population grew, it became impossible for churches to keep up with the burial demands. This led to the development of new burial sites called cemeteries. These are generally not affiliated with any particular church and non-religious people can be buried in them.

Those who are considering burial should consider how far their loved ones will have to travel to visit the grave. It’s also important to check local zoning laws regarding the location of graves. Some communities have setback regulations that prohibit a grave from being too close to buildings or property lines. This is usually to prevent the potential for fire hazards or flood risks.

Etymology

Although it is common to use the terms graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, there are some important differences between the two. A graveyard is a large ground used for burial and is usually attached to a church. A cemetery, on the other hand, is an independent burial ground that is not attached to any specific church or religion.

A recent Facebook post claimed that the etymology of phrases like “dead ringer,” “graveyard shift” and “saved by the bell” linked them to 16th-century English burial practices. However, linguistics experts say that this claim is false.

Meaning

Despite the fact that many people use the terms graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. Graveyard refers to the burial ground that adjoins a church while cemetery is a more general term that can refer to any type of burial ground.

It is also important to know that a mausoleum is not part of a graveyard or cemetery. Mausoleums are independent structures that contain the ashes of a deceased person and may or may not be religious. Using the words graveyard and cemetery interchangeably is acceptable today, but for those who want linguistic precision, it is best to use graveyard when referring to burial grounds on church property and cemetery for modern, separate burial grounds that are not affiliated with any specific place of worship.

Origins

The term “graveyard shift” is derived from the fact that it’s late work hours, usually midnight to 8am. It has nothing to do with watching over graves, however.

Until the nineteenth century, people were buried on land that was associated with a church (as in churchyard). As populations increased, these areas became full and new burial sites emerged, called cemeteries. These were unattached to churches and more secular.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, skulls and crossbones motifs were common on headstones as a reminder of mortality. By the Victorian era, however, this macabre tradition had largely died out and was replaced with more serene classical iconography in keeping with Georgian taste. Today, most cemeteries are not connected to a church and can therefore place few restrictions on the quantity of objects that can be placed on headstones.

Significance

In a magical context, graveyard dirt can be used for both creative and destructive spells. The most important consideration is choosing the right gravesite to collect the dirt from. It’s best to choose a grave of someone who has had a positive impact on your life. If you can’t find a suitable gravesite, you can also use the dirt from a tree or other plant in the cemetery.

While the terms graveyard and cemetery are similar, a graveyard is generally smaller than a cemetery and is associated with a church. It’s also important to consider the rules regarding headstone inscriptions in your chosen cemetery. Some are more restrictive than others. For example, a graveyard may require a more subdued design and conservative Christian inscriptions.

The design of a cemetery must consider the needs of the community. This can be achieved through thoughtful and functional landscapes and architecture.

A well developed master plan optimizes land utilization and improves the aesthetics of a delicate space. This makes it easier for visitors to navigate and enjoy the cemetery.

Aesthetics

Cemeteries are complex spatial environments, deeply entwined with cultural, spiritual and emotional dimensions. The design of this type of space should be sensitive and thoughtful. The use of neutral colors that fit into natural backgrounds, a variety of shades of green to give each space its identity and species of flowering trees must be carefully conceived. The design of memorial furniture, fences that follow standard protocol and outdoor lighting should complement the landscape and accentuate certain areas.

Cremation has also opened up new opportunities for efficient grave layout and landscape design. In addition, interment of cremains does not disrupt groundwater and natural systems as full body burials do.

Mourners often leave flowers on the headstone or columbarium wall of their loved ones. New designs of columbarium walls now accommodate this desire by incorporating metal clips beside each plaque that can hold a single stem or small posy. These clips prevent tripping hazards while keeping flowers close to the plaque.

Maintenance

The cemetery landscape should be a place of beauty and tranquility. It should include a variety of greenery and different colors, which must be carefully coordinated to create a unique and attractive design.

Proper drainage is an important aspect of a cemetery’s maintenance. It helps avoid flooding, and reduces the amount of maintenance needed for buried monuments and other features. The drainage system should also be properly sized during the planning process to minimize future replacement costs.

Families should be encouraged to visit their loved ones’ graves and memorial sites regularly to practice preventative maintenance. This will allow them to spot small problems that might otherwise go unnoticed if they were left unchecked, and will help ensure that their loved ones’ memorials are maintained properly. A cemetery should also have adequate receptacles for trash and waste, to make it easier for visitors to dispose of their trash. This will also keep the grounds clean and uncluttered.

Flow

The traditional cemetery management involves the allocation of land for burial, digging and filling of graves and the construction and maintenance of headstones and markers. While the maintenance of these memorials is a responsibility of the families and friends, the resultant collection of individual and sometimes unattractive headstones and monuments often leads to new cemetery developments standardising the shape or design of grave markers.

Cemetery designers should consider the flow of a site when planning for future cemetery development. For example, a water feature, wooded hillside or high point on the property may be able to serve as a focal point for a new section of the cemetery.

A cemetery should also be flexible enough to change direction if market trends change, for example, the increasing preference for cremation. This should be reflected in the master plan by including a range of burial options that allow for flexibility. This will also help to keep the cemeteries viable and avoid closure in the future.

Sustainability

The cemetery is considered to be a “forever” installation, so it’s important to use quality materials that are well designed and fit the space. This helps to ensure that the cemetery will last for years to come, and will continue to serve the community well.

The design of a cemetery is also important to consider how sustainable it is. This can be achieved by using green infrastructure principles in the design. This includes integrating natural elements into the cemetery, like trees, grass and flowers, as well as implementing sustainable drainage systems that are designed to prevent leakages.

Another way to make a cemetery more sustainable is by utilizing a variety of different burial options. For example, burying bodies directly in the ground, versus a casket, can reduce environmental impact and improve the overall aesthetic of the grave site. Moreover, this can also save money on burial fees in the long run. Lastly, incorporating the use of plants, like birch trees, weeping willows and sugar maples on the interior of the cemetery can help create a peaceful environment for visitors.

A cemetery is a place for mourners to remember their loved ones. It is a serene and peaceful place to visit and reminisce with family members. It can also serve as a place of rest for the deceased.

Research indicates that cemetery visits are a sign of social connectedness and a kind of commitment across generations. This is what Putnam calls civic community.

Location

A cemetery is a special place that needs to be treated with respect. It is a solemn and tranquil place that should be left free of noise and conversation. If you must bring a cellphone, please ensure it is set to vibrate mode. It is also important to be respectful of services and any other mourners who may be present.

Graveyards are located within church premises and tend to have strict rules regarding burial ceremonies and the headstone used. These rules are meant to keep in line with religious values and traditions.

As the population grew, more graveyards could not hold all the bodies that needed to be interred. This led to the creation of independent cemeteries, which were usually outside the city center and town.

Rules

There are some restrictions or rules associated with a cemetery, such as not being allowed to put anything on a headstone or statue. Putting items like artificial flowers, toys, ribbons or bows can be unsightly and distract from the beauty of the site. Additionally, any decorations that are damaged or wilted will be removed by the cemetery staff.

Those visiting a gravesite are encouraged to share their knowledge of cemetery etiquette with others. Educating visitors about the proper way to pay respects can make their experience more fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Private contractors must be notified of the necessity to backfill a grave before work can begin. Contractors must also stop their work if there is a funeral procession in progress. Leaving trash around is unsanitary for both the caretakers and other visitors. Using designated receptacles is a great way to clean up after yourself.

Maintenance

A cemetery needs to be maintained in order to meet community expectations and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This includes removing trash, cleaning headstones, and mowing the grass. It may also be necessary to plant and care for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Landscaping and horticultural services are an important revenue stream for a cemetery. These services are in high demand, and the ability to differentiate oneself through quality service and unique offerings is crucial for profitability.

A cemetery’s profitability can be affected by factors such as rising operational costs and changing customer preferences. However, by diversifying services, optimizing labor schedules, and sourcing cost-effective supplies, a cemetery can minimize these risks. Regulatory compliance is another key issue, as failure to comply with regulations can lead to fines or legal issues that impact profitability.

Plots

A cemetery has a number of different plots available. These can include single spaces that hold a casket or double plots that are sold together and designed to be used by couples (usually married). There are also companion crypts that stack two caskets on top of each other, which may cost less than side-by-side spaces.

Some people buy burial plots in advance. This can save money on funeral costs, but it’s not without risks. For example, if someone pre-purchases a plot and dies before using it, the family could lose their right to burial there. Fortunately, it’s not uncommon for cemeteries to buy back plots years later, though this may require an additional payment from the estate. These plots are sometimes referred to as “family plots.” They are often sold to family members who wish to bury their loved ones together.

Affiliations

Cemeteries are often linked to religious communities and have cultural significance for their members. They can also provide a place for people to express their grief in an open and respectful way, which aids the healing process.

While some people perceive cemeteries as gloomy or frightening places because of their spooky depiction in movies, they have much to offer for the community. They can serve as a place for pastoral family gatherings and offer a glimpse into local history. They can even foster the healing and growth of grieving individuals and the communities they live in. Cemeteries that are a part of a religious group usually have rules governing how a body is interred. A body may not be buried without an outer burial container or vault, for example, and many cemeteries prohibit the scattering of ashes.

Unlike traditional cemeteries memorial parks feature dignified sculptured bronze markers that lie flat on landscaped plots. This provides visitors with an atmosphere of natural beauty, peace for quiet meditation and respect to the memory of their loved ones.

A new book chronicles how Houston’s Memorial Park became the city’s green heart.

The History of Memorial Park

Today, Memorial Park is a recreational outdoor gem that’s enjoyed by thousands of Houstonians daily. It’s home to miles of multi-use trails, a picnic loop where rodeoHouston trail riders huddle, softball fields and more. But not so long ago, the park was the site of a dark chapter in our country’s history that began in 1917.

It’s a history that’s now being brought to light thanks to a local group. The Houston Branch NAACP is partnering with South Texas College of Law to demand clemency for members of the all-black 3rd Battalion, 24th United States Infantry Regiment, who were the cause of the Camp Logan riot and mutiny that took place in August of that year.

Although there are no markers to mark burial sites within the park, it is likely that graveyards once existed on the land that is now Memorial Park. A geophysical investigation performed by IUP Archeological Services indicates the presence of numerous sites with the potential for burial.

The Park’s Design

The June 5 Memorial Park is one of Houston’s most important green spaces. It is larger than Chicago’s Lincoln Park, St. Louis’ Forest Park and New York City’s Central Park. It’s also been a playground for the rich and famous, with Johnny Weissmuller and Bob Hope among the professional golfers who plied its 18-hole course.

The memorial’s design honors the lives lost to the AIDS epidemic and unites nature, community, activism and art. It celebrates the legacy of those who worked to fight and overcome the crisis, as well as those still struggling today.

The project incorporates innovative construction techniques that highlight the natural qualities of building materials. For example, black and gray granites are finished in a high polish, a rough cut, and exposed aggregate, a process that reveals the variety of stone structure usually left hidden beneath the surface. It also includes natural bronze metal screens that evoke the spirit of the disease-fighting community.

The Park’s Amenities

As the name suggests, memorial parks offer more than a final resting place. They foster community and promote healing for those who have experienced loss. By offering a variety of events and activities, families can connect with each other and share their stories.

This provides comfort and support, allowing individuals to move through their grief at a pace that is right for them. Furthermore, memorial parks also offer a space for families to celebrate their loved ones and commemorate their lives.

The Park is home to a gymnasium and fitness room; police activities league; community meeting rooms; 2 youth baseball fields; 3 softball infields; a soccer field; children’s playground; tennis courts; an off-leash dog run; a skatepark and more. A large majority of these amenities are free or offered at a low cost to the residents of Sheepshead Bay and its surrounding communities.

The Park’s Programming

Memorial Park is home to a community center and meeting rooms; police activities league; children’s playground; tennis courts; baseball, soccer and softball infields; sand volleyball courts; an off-leash dog park; a skatepark called The Cove; and over 63 off-street parking spaces. Memorial Park also features the NYC AIDS Memorial, honoring the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who died from AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

A 2.3-mile handicap accessible pedestrian-bicycle trail loop surrounded by lush green lawns is the perfect place for picnicking and family reunions. Memorial Park is also home to one of the Village’s most fitting September 11th memorials, along with a Veterans Memorial honoring all Village residents who served in the U.S. military.

Unlike the competing headstones in traditional cemeteries, Memorial Park uses dignified sculptured bronze markers lying flat on landscaped plots for those who wish to memorialize loved ones. Donors can also purchase a brick paver for installation in the donor recognition plaza. Brick orders are only accepted twice a year: before Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

In addition to regulating funeral establishments, embalmers, and morticians, the Board also investigates consumer complaints. The Board will not license an individual or establishment that has been convicted of criminal wrongdoing.

Funeral consumers are protected by law from many different kinds of fraud. Funeral consumers should get a full itemized statement of services and goods before signing a contract. They should not be charged for items they have already purchased elsewhere.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Cemetery and Funeral Bureau regulates cemeteries, funeral homes, funeral directors, embalmers and crematories. It also takes complaints from consumers. If you have a complaint about a licensed cemetery, funeral home or embalmer, you can send it to the board by mail, email, telephone or fax.

The Bureau licenses, manages and examines complaints against 13 distinct permitting classifications in California totaling approximately 13,500 licensees. These classifications include funeral establishments, funeral directors, apprentice embalmers, memorial service foundations, graveyard intermediaries/branch/extra, cemetery salespersons, crematory managers and the nearly 200 private cemeteries in the State.

The FCA offers a number of free publications for families planning a funeral or cremation and can help them avoid high-cost add-ons and services. It also monitors industry trends and practices, advocates for regulatory reform and tracks pending legislation. The FCA also maintains a directory of member groups across the country. If you want to learn more about the organization, visit their website or contact them by phone or email.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization that monitors the funeral industry, keeping a close eye on trends and advocating for fair practices on behalf of consumers. It also offers clear, objective facts about funerals so families can make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

Funeral homes are often viewed as one of the most trusted institutions in our communities, but they are not immune to greed and overcharging customers. As such, consumers can be easily taken advantage of during an emotional time of grief when they are unaware of all their options.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance, which has a national network of over 100 local affiliate groups (memorial societies or funeral planning organizations), is an important resource that saves grieving families money by price-shopping funeral costs for them. It also encourages consumers to make advance directives through Five Wishes, a simple living will that makes it easy to express your end-of-life wishes to loved ones.

The International Cemetery and Cremation Association

The International Cemetery and Cremation Association is a membership-based organization that provides education, networking and legislative guidance to progressive cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories and memorial designers. ICCFA is the only international trade association that represents all segments of the funeral service industry.

In addition to the educational aspect of ICCFA, it also hosts an annual convention and exposition. This year, the event was held in Kansas City and had over 1,000 attendees.

Among the 2023 convention speakers was Lee Longino, Senior Managing Director for SCI’s Major East Business Unit and an ICCFA Board Member. Longino is a second-generation funeral director and embalmer with 35 years of experience in the deathcare profession.

One of his presentations, When the body arrives in a Prius: What Cemetery Staff Needs to Know About Green Burial Families, discussed how the cemetery can educate and prepare family members to take care of their loved ones without the help of a funeral director or embalmer. Another of his presentations, Green design & innovation: Restoration ecology in the hybrid cemetery, described how a green cemetery at West Laurel Hill in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania will assist ecological succession from wildflower meadow to woodland.

The California Funeral Board

The California Funeral Board licenses funeral establishments; funeral directors, including apprentice directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers, salespersons, and managers; and cremated remains disposers, crematories, and hydrolysis facilities. The Board also investigates consumer/provider complaints and enforcement actions and promotes a fair and informed marketplace.

When a loved one dies, family members often have to make dozens of decisions under intense emotional duress. These decisions can include what funeral home to use, whether or not to have a casket, and where the body will be buried or cremated.

It is illegal for a funeral home to charge interest on unpaid balances, and it is not legal to list any fees that aren’t listed in the Good Faith Estimate (GFE). These rules protect consumers from unfair practices and help them make informed choices.

A morgue is a refrigerated facility where bodies are stored until they can be identified, released to a funeral home, or cremated. Funeral homes focus on preparing the body for burial or cremation and provide viewing space and memorial services.

Standalone mortuaries are bare-bones operations that only offer autopsy and embalming. They do not provide burial or cremation services.

What is a mortuary?

Many people assume that mortuaries are bare-bones operations that focus solely on the dead body. However, that’s not necessarily true. Some mortuaries, like Myers Mortuary in Utah and Hart’s in Georgia, offer full funeral services in addition to on-site cremation.

Other mortuaries focus solely on preparing bodies for burial or cremation. This may include washing, disinfecting and dressing the body, securing or packing openings, embalming, and on-site cremation.

Some mortuaries are attached to hospitals or police departments, while others are independent. Coroners investigate reportable deaths and typically work in a morgue.

What is a morgue?

A morgue is a facility that holds the bodies of unidentified dead individuals until they can be claimed by a funeral home or family member. It performs autopsies and embalming services. Some mortuaries also provide cremation services, though this is less common.

While working in a mortuary can be a grim experience, it serves important functions. These include assisting law enforcement in criminal investigations, providing medical information about the cause of death to patients and their families, and advancing forensic science.

Most hospitals have a morgue where they store recently deceased patients. However, these areas are not always clean and may be contaminated with the DNA of previous autopsies or samples taken from murder victims.

What is a funeral home?

Traditionally, funeral homes are large buildings that serve as a central hub for storing and caring for the body of the deceased before the funeral service. They may offer services like visiting hours, meals of condolence, a place for people to pay their respects and other support.

When making arrangements for a funeral, most families will meet with a funeral director at the funeral home or, in some cases, over the telephone. This meeting is known as an arrangement conference. It is a legally required appointment that gives the funeral home the opportunity to present their merchandise and services to you.

What is a mortuary assistant?

A mortuary assistant is a trainee who works under the supervision of a mortician. They assist with various tasks, such as embalming and preparing remains for funerals. They may also assist with cremation and transport caskets to and from a funeral home or a cemetery.

Rebecca Owens is a recent graduate of mortuary school and has begun working at River Fields Mortuary under her boss, Raymond Delver. Her grandmother is worried about the place because of rumors of occult activity, but Rebecca dismisses them as nonsense.

During the Night Shift, players must quickly perform all of their duties while keeping in mind that one of the corpses is possessed and getting worse the longer the player works. The game is chock-full of jump scares and unexpected surprises.

What is a mortuary technician?

A mortuary technician, also known as an anatomical pathology technician (APT), works alongside a pathologist and provides dignified care to the deceased after their death. Their daily duties include preparing bodies for postmortems, assisting at crime scenes, transporting bodies and ensuring the morgue is clean and sterile.

They can also help prepare bodies for funerals by washing, setting features, applying makeup and en-coffining the deceased. They also keep records and ensure health and safety standards are met.

To become a mortuary technician, it is best to find a role in a local mortuary or public mortuary. You can apply for a job as a trainee APT through a mortuary locum agency such as Globe Locums, which is registered with the NHS scheme supporting international health worker mobility.

What is a mortician?

Morticians, also known as embalmers or undertakers, provide comfort to families while preparing a body for funeral services and religious events. They may also help a family choose burial options. Morticians must be able to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds.

The first step in becoming a mortician is to complete a mortuary science degree program. Some students choose to apprentice alongside their studies to gain hands-on experience in the industry. Once licensed, they must serve as an empathetic and compassionate presence for families. In addition to preparing bodies for viewing, they are responsible for advising friends and family on legal and financial matters such as filing death certificates and transferring pensions or life insurance policies.

What is a funeral director?

Funeral directors are professionals who help families navigate the many details involved when someone dies. They can assist with coordinating services, writing obituaries, placing a death notice in the newspaper, arranging transportation and making cemetery arrangements.

Additionally, they can help families who wish to have a memorial service or cremation. They can also make pre-need arrangements, which involves completing paperwork and making choices about service preferences, casket or urn selection, and financial planning.

Funeral directors can be distinguished from morticians by their wearing clothes that are not contaminated with embalming fluids and makeup. They are available to answer questions 24 hours a day.

A graveyard is a place where people are buried. This can be a yard or another area of land set aside for this purpose. It is generally not affiliated with a church, and both religious people and non-believers can be buried there.

Over time, as populations grew, the capacity of church-affiliated graveyards was exceeded. This led to the development of completely separate burial grounds independent of churches.

Definition

A graveyard is a large ground where people are buried after their deaths. Often it is connected to a church. The word can also refer to a burial ground outside a church or other religious institution. However, a mausoleum is a free-standing structure that contains the remains of one or more deceased persons.

Most people don’t distinguish between the words cemetery and graveyard because they are essentially the same. However, the difference is important because it relates to the location of the grave. The word cemetery originally meant “churchyard,” while graveyard does not mean that.

Traditionally, people were buried in graveyards owned by their local church. As the population increased, it became impractical for churches to keep their graveyards at capacity. Therefore, new places for burial sprang up that were not connected to a church. These new locations were known as cemeteries. The differences between graveyard and cemetery are subtle but significant. Learn more about the differences between the two words with our dictionary definitions and etymology.

History

Historically, a graveyard is a place where human bodies are buried. It can be attached to a church (as in the case of a churchyard) or it can be independent. It may also be referred to as a cemetery or a grave plot.

Before burial could take place in a graveyard, the land would be consecrated. This was to ensure that evil spirits and demons couldn’t enter the graveyard.

As time went on, the amount of space available in a graveyard began to exceed demand. This was exacerbated by the rapid population growth during the early industrial revolution and continued outbreaks of infectious diseases.

As a result, more and more people were buried on the periphery of town or city limits. This resulted in the need for new graveyards. The word ‘graveyard’ can be used to describe any large area that is specifically intended for burial but the term ‘cemetery’ usually indicates that the area is attached to a specific religion.

Etymology

When people work late into the night, it’s called a graveyard shift. The spooky term comes from the fact that workers are often working at a cemetery during the darkest hours of the night.

If you hear someone whistling as they pass a graveyard, it’s probably because they’re trying to bolster their courage. This expression is likely 300 years old, and it may have been inspired by the poem “Oft in the lone churchyard at night I’ve seen the school-boy with his satchel on, / Whistling to bear up his courage.”

A graveyard is a burial ground that adjoins a church. As the population of Europe grew, churches were no longer able to accommodate all the burials that needed to take place. As a result, completely new areas for burial were created, which were known as cemeteries. Cemeteries do not have to be attached to a church, and they can be used for both humans and pets.

Locations

A graveyard is a large ground used to bury bodies, and it can be affiliated with a church. Unlike cemeteries, which are not associated with churches and can be open to people of all faiths, a graveyard is attached to a specific church, and it may have stipulations regarding who is allowed to be interred there.

Despite their often desolate appearance, graveyards can be serene and beautiful places to visit. For example, the Brooklyn cemetery Green-Wood features resplendent ginkgo trees and decorative mausoleums. It is one of the most famous graveyards in NYC.

Many families purchase burial rights for their family members before they die, allowing them to choose where they wish to be buried. If you are considering a final resting place, Titan Casket is here to help. You can start your end-of-life planning now by creating a free Cake profile. This will ensure that your wishes are shared with loved ones instantly. The free, simple tool also allows you to compare options and costs.