Category: News

A cemetery is land that is used for burials. It may also refer to a section of a churchyard or a graveyard, where there are many graves.

When researching an ancestor, it’s important to visit cemeteries. Not only will you find gravestones with information about your ancestor, but you’ll get a feel for the community where they lived.

A Place of Reflection

Visiting a cemetery often reminds people of their loved ones who are no longer living. It can be a sad reminder, but it can also bring peace to those who are grieving. It can be a place to share stories with your departed family members and friends, or simply sit and remember.

Generally, a cemetery is not affiliated with any specific church. This allows for a diverse population to be interred there. You can find a variety of burial options in cemeteries, including above ground graves and tombs as well as mausoleums and columbaria.

Oftentimes, cemeteries have pathways and wooden seating, designed for visitors to take a break from their daily activities and spend some time in reflection. You can find these areas adorned with words like “hope,” “renewal,” “forgiveness,” and “you are not alone.” These phrases provide a foundation for healing and help you to remember that, even though your loved one is no longer here physically, their legacy continues.

A Place of Memorial

Historically, cemeteries have been places of both celebration and mourning. They have shaped culture and religion as people reacted to their own mortality and found comfort in the community of those who had passed away.

Cemeteries are usually more organized than graveyards as they must be able to manage burial space. As a result, they typically have plots laid out in rows or sections and are often displayed on a map. This helps both the cemetery administration and those looking for a specific grave site.

Despite this, many people prefer to avoid cemeteries. In a recent survey, Ioann Popov ’21 and Renee Ong ’21 said that they find graveyards to be “a place of discomfort.” However, Quinn Crawford ’21 says the cemetery is a beautiful setting for peaceful walks and an opportunity to reflect on one’s own mortality. Moreover, it allows him to remember the lives of those who have shaped his own. He finds it comforting to visit his grandparents’ graves in Troy and think of the life they led together.

A Place of Community

The cemetery is the final resting place for the community’s deceased residents. It is a gathering place for grieving families and friends to come and find comfort in their loss.

Cemeteries may be public or private; religious or secular; for-profit or not-for-profit. These differences in ownership structure directly impact the services offered and financial endowment plan of a cemetery.

Many older cemeteries that were initially large have now run out of space for new burials and are unable to purchase additional land on the periphery of towns and cities for expansion. This is not inherently unreasonable – societies change, needs evolve, and people move.

Traditionally cemetery management has been restricted to the sale of physical burial rights (plots, crypts or niches) and the ongoing care of the cemetery grounds and facilities. More recently, full-service cemeteries have also been involved in the design, creation and installation of permanent memorialization that honours the deceased. This can be in the form of a headstone, monument or plaque.

A Place of Peace

The right cemetery becomes a sanctuary of peace and comfort, helping to soothe the souls of the deceased. It becomes a place to reflect on beautiful memories, offering serenity and tranquility that promotes healing. It is indeed a very important part of grieving, and one that should be carefully considered.

Cemeteries are usually not affiliated with a specific church, and therefore you don’t have to be a member to be interred there. Also, they are often located away from town centers to allow for more space. This allows them to provide burial options for all religions.

They offer a variety of services like genealogy information and floral placement programs. Many people visit their loved ones’ grave sites regularly, especially on special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays. They also tend to the graves with love and care, keeping them clean and fresh with beautiful flowers. These are all ways to show your love and respect for your dead family members.

A peaceful place where the city’s joggers, walkers and softball players come to relax and recharge. It has miles of wooded trails, a ‘picnic’ loop used heavily by road cyclists and a softball field.

This park is also home to a NYC AIDS Memorial which pays tribute to those who died from the disease and the activists, health professionals and caregivers who mobilized to provide care, fight discrimination and change policy.

Symbolism

Memorials and monuments often evoke particular symbols that convey a particular meaning. These symbolic elements can vary from the well-known to the less familiar. They may also be interpreted differently depending on a viewer’s sociocultural and political position.

A common way of memorializing a fatality is to construct a roadside memorial, which uses readily understood symbols or messages to communicate a particular message. For example, a white painted bike may represent a cycling fatality.

Other examples of memorials utilize geometric forms to mark spaces and define paths through the memorial park. The choice of shapes creates a mathematical-like structure that adds to the beauty of the landscape and helps guide visitors throughout the memorial park.

History

Memorial Park has been an important part of the community’s history since its creation. It is one of the oldest parks in Long Island.

After the war ended, the cemetery and park were re-designed to meet the needs of the local community. The new design was a major success.

Today, the park features a memorial for all village residents who served in the military, and a September 11th memorial. It is also the home of one of the nation’s most popular jogging trails, and many professional sports athletes are regular visitors.

The six-panel Walls of Remembrance were reconstructed in 2011 after a two year restoration project. The newest monument in the park is the Gold Star Monument, built in accordance with style guidelines established by the Woody Williams Foundation and Delaware Gold Star families. The monument is the only one in the Park with a void design symbolizing those who never came home. The Submariners Monument, built by the local Dover Submarine Foundation, pays tribute to the 52 submarines from both World War II and Korean Conflict that were lost during their service.

Environment

A memorial park is a modern cemetery, and while it may be a place for mourning, it should also be a beautiful, living landscape where people can spend time with nature. This is especially true in Orange County, where a memorial park can be a great place to see wild plants and animals.

The memorial park at Memorial Park is the largest urban wilderness in the fourth most populous city in the United States. A former World War I training camp, this 1,500-acre park is now the heart of the Uptown district and a popular spot for recreation, socializing, exercising, walking, wildlife watching and commemorating the dead.

Research on the site’s cultural history revealed that the dense forest typical of many modern parks was not endemic to this area, and a new vision for Memorial Park focused on restoring multiple authentic, native ecologies that could endure drought and flood into the future. This led to the creation of new areas such as the Kinder Land Bridge & Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie.

Amenities

Memorial Park attracts millions of active Houstonians each year, who enjoy the miles of trails, myriad sports facilities, and picnicking opportunities. Many also visit to get some serious exercise, such as running or playing golf on the park’s 18-hole course and swimming pool. The three-mile Seymour Lieberman exercise trail draws joggers in the early mornings, afternoons and weekends.

The shady wooded grounds, fenced in from urban sprawl, still support a rich population of eastern woodland birds. Listen for pine, Swainson’s and Kentucky warblers, and look for American woodcocks in late winter.

Memorial Park offers a variety of camping sites and hiking trails to give campers an immersive experience with the woods. A nature center is open daily with natural and historic exhibits, games and hands-on articles to encourage learning. A park naturalist leads evening campfires and nature programs during the summer. In addition, drop-in family picnic sites and reservable group picnic areas are available. The park also hosts a series of free summer concerts each year in a bandstand.

The death of a loved one can be difficult for families. Making funeral arrangements ahead of time can relieve them of the burden of deciding at a stressful time. It can also help prevent financial surprises for survivors.

To become a licensed funeral director, you must complete a high school diploma and mortuary science program and undergo an apprenticeship. You must also pass both the state law and national board exams.

Preneed contracts

Using a preneed contract allows individuals to pay for their funeral plans before they pass away. This helps families avoid having to make decisions at an emotional time. It also ensures that the funeral home will provide the services promised.

Preneed contracts are usually sold by both funeral homes and cemeterians, but third party sellers are becoming increasingly common. These types of contracts typically include both funeral and cemetery merchandise and service items, and the prices are locked in advance.

Many states require that the seller of a preneed contract disclose certain information about its terms and conditions. However, there is no federal minimum standard for this disclosure. The rules differ between states, as do the procedures for cancelling the contract and how much money is refundable to the purchaser.

Life insurance

Preneed contracts can be a great way to plan for your funeral, but not everyone is up to the task of choosing a casket or urn, deciding on songs and food, or determining a final resting place. If you’re not up for this task, you can still make sure that your family isn’t left with the burden of your funeral costs by buying a burial insurance policy.

Burial and final expense insurance are different from preneed plans because they work like life insurance policies and do not lock you into a specific service provider or products. They also typically don’t require a medical exam and ask few health questions. Some even build cash value that you can borrow against. However, these types of policies come with many risks and are not subject to state or federal consumer protections.

Funeral trusts

Generally, a funeral trust allows you to pre-pay for essential services and burial expenses. It can also help you avoid unforeseen expenses later in life. Prepaying can ease the burden on loved ones during stressful times. It can also reduce the likelihood of family disagreements and misunderstandings about final arrangements. Funeral trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and are usually protected from creditors. They may even earn interest or investment returns.

However, a funeral trust isn’t without its drawbacks. There is a risk of mismanagement or business insolvency, which can lead to lost funds. Moreover, the fees and commissions charged by the funeral home may reduce the overall value of the trust. It’s also important to consider the potential tax implications of a funeral trust.

Home funerals

Home funerals are a growing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they can be an effective way to mourn a loved one. The National Home Funeral Alliance and the book Final Rights offer more information on the subject. You may also wish to consider setting up a trust for your funeral expenses. These trusts allow you to pay for funeral services in advance, while retaining control of the funds until your death. Most states require these plans to be disclosed by funeral homes, although the Funeral Rule does not always apply.

Families who choose to hold a home funeral often prefer a more personalized service. In addition, they can spend more time preparing the body for transport and burial. They can even create memorials and establish their own rituals to honor the departed.

Burial on private property

Burial on private property is legal in most states, although local zoning laws may place restrictions. For example, some states require a certain distance between a burial plot and water sources and buildings. These rules are often called setbacks.

If you plan to bury someone on your land, be sure to inform the new owners of the property. This will ensure that they have access to the grave site in the future. It will also help to prevent contamination of the water supply.

You must give anyone who asks in person about funeral goods and services a General Price List (GPL). However, you do not have to send GPLs to people who inquire via telephone or by mail. Moreover, you cannot charge separate fees for overhead or other non-declinable expenses.

Typically associated with hospitals and medical centers, morgues are usually refrigerated drawer-like compartments large enough to hold an adult. They store bodies until they are positively identified or an autopsy is done.

Most people are familiar with morgues from movies and TV shows. But what do they really look like?

The Embalming and Preparation Area

While the mortuary does contain a morgue, the focus of a mortuary is not so much body storage but rather preparation for burial or cremation. This preparation includes washing, disinfecting and embalming the body.

Embalming is used to improve the appearance of the remains and can help to prevent deterioration in the days leading up to a funeral. It is not considered to be a long term preservative.

The process is accomplished by introducing a solution of embalming fluid into the blood vessels of the body. Typically, 3 gallons of this fluid will be circulated through the body for thorough disinfection and preservation.

Before this is done a doctor will examine the deceased for signs of disease or trauma and mark the body for proper placement of tubes. A tube will be inserted into the carotid artery and another into the jugular vein which allows the embalmer to inject chemicals directly into these blood vessels to replace blood. This is known as arterial embalming.

The Trays

Mortuaries are equipped with stainless-steel tables and refrigerated storage units. They must also contain a safety shower, eye and face wash equipment and handbasins for staff.

Besides being a place where embalming and preparation take place, the morgue is also used to conduct medical examinations on corpses before funerals or cremations. As a result, morticians need to be highly trained in preparing and conducting autopsies.

Mortuaries are often very busy and can be stressful places for employees. Because of this, it’s important that all employees practice safe handling procedures. It is also essential that all medical equipment, including trays, be sanitized on a regular basis. Any trays that are contaminated should be placed in a sharps container and taken away for proper disposal by a medical waste management company. This helps to reduce the risk of infection in both the mortuary and funeral home. In addition, it is a good idea for mortuaries and funeral homes to have geiger counters in case any of the corpses turn out to be radioactive.

The Sink

Mortuary work is sensitive and requires high levels of care and consideration. Your mortuary must provide essential equipment to ensure hygiene, safety and efficiency.

In this photo you can see a standard white mortuary tray and an autoclave (sink), used to sterilise tools. Also in the photo is a red ‘head block’, which helps to keep the head raised during embalming and prevents purging. You can also see the ‘draining sink’, which looks a bit like your bathroom or kitchen sink, and is used to drain blood and fluids during embalming.

A Morgue, also called a Mortuary Unit, is usually located within the hospital premises for storage of bodies for viewing and identification purposes. It is designed to serve the needs of hospital staff, relatives of the deceased and authorised persons. Enhanced security is provided for this area to keep the bodies safe from intruders and from public areas. It is well connected to Anatomical Pathology laboratories and relevant clinical areas for transportation of laboratory specimens, if required.

The Machine

The Machine is a secret society that reportedly controls student government elections and selects homecoming queen candidates. The group is a coalition of Panhellenic sororities and IFC and NPHC fraternities, and is supposedly backed by the state’s powerful alumni network. Fabien Zinga, a Black independent candidate for SGA president, claims he received racial threats from the Machine and that his campaign signs were defaced. Emails have been cited showing sororities and fraternities voting for Machine-backed candidates in exchange for privileges, including limousine transportation to vote and free drinks.

A freshman sorority member featured in the Bama Rush trailer says she is embarrassed for those still involved with the Machine. She believes student apathy is one reason Machine-backed candidates win, but wants the campus community to know what’s really going on behind closed doors. She adds that Machine members also infiltrate honor societies and campus organizations. Voters who go against the Machine’s wishes allegedly face personal and house-wide repercussions.

Graveyards are areas where people are buried. They may or may not be associated with a church.

Those who could afford to pay for a headstone would hire a stonemason to have the family name and dates of birth and death carved on it.

The word cemetery comes from Latin, meaning “burial place”. While the terms graveyard and cemetery are often used interchangeably, they have different definitions.

What is a Graveyard?

Many people use the terms graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, but on a technical level, there is a difference between the two. Graveyard is the older term, and it refers to a burial ground that adjoins a church. In the Middle Ages, wealthy and influential Christians were generally buried inside of a church in crypts beneath the floor, while less well-off congregants were buried outside in the churchyard.

When the old churchyards began to fill up, modern burial grounds called cemeteries were established. While some still have religious affiliations, they are not associated with a particular place of worship and can be used for members of any religion. Similarly, mausoleums are separate structures that may be located in either a cemetery or a graveyard. However, the word necropolis is also used to describe a large group of burial sites.

What is a Cemetery?

When someone dies, they are buried in a cemetery. That’s the big clue in its name: Cemetery means that it is a place set aside for burial. Originally, a cemetery was just part of a churchyard; the process of burying people was very tightly controlled by the church in Europe, and only members were allowed to be buried on their grounds.

As the population of European countries began to grow, these graveyards were overcrowded; the number of burials far outgrew their capacity. As a result, a new type of cemetery was developed, separate from churches, which could bury followers of different religions. The term “cemetery” was adopted from the Latin word koimeterion, meaning sleeping place or bedchamber. It is now the most common form of a final resting place.

What is the Difference Between a Graveyard and a Cemetery?

Although often used interchangeably, the terms graveyard and cemetery mean slightly different things. Graveyard is the older term, traditionally referring to a burial ground attached to a church or chapel. In the past, wealthy or influential Christians were generally interred inside a church, often in a crypt, while less-wealthy congregants were buried outside, in what was known as the graveyard.

However, as European populations began to increase and church graveyards became full, new burial grounds that were independent of churches appeared, which came to be known as cemeteries. Cemeteries are generally larger than graveyards, and are usually run by councils rather than religious organisations. They are also more likely to be open to people of all faiths and have more flexible rules about headstones.

What is the Difference Between a Churchyard and a Cemetery?

Despite their similarity, a graveyard and cemetery are not the same thing. The key difference is that a churchyard adjoins a church, and a cemetery does not. This is significant because it means that a churchyard is limited to people who belong to the same religion, while a cemetery can be open to anyone.

In addition, the term graveyard has a more rustic feel than a cemetery, as it is typically located on church grounds and may have older tombstones that aren’t perfectly manicured. For the sake of linguistic accuracy, you should avoid using the terms cemetery and graveyard interchangeably. Instead, refer to a churchyard as a resting place affiliated with a specific church and to a cemetery as a separate burial ground that is either public land through a city or town, or private property owned by an independent company like Arbor.

What is the Difference Between a Cemetery and a Necropolis?

During the Middle Ages, wealthy or influential Christians were generally laid to rest inside church premises in a crypt. Less wealthy congregants were buried outside in the churchyard, also known as a graveyard.

Necropolises are expansive burial sites that showcase societal and cultural values, with tombs and structures of varying size and complexity. They often contain a range of funerary objects, including urns, obelisks, or mausoleums for royalty, officials, and revered individuals.

While graveyard and cemetery are now used interchangeably, they are two distinct concepts. Historically, graveyards were confined to the church grounds, while cemeteries are larger pieces of land that may be public through the city or town or privately owned by an independent company like Arbor. Both have their own set of rules and regulations governing what goes into the graves and who can be buried there.

Modern cemetery design can take full advantage of existing natural features like ponds and wooded hillsides. It can also be developed to create striking focal points.

Well-planned landscaping reduces mowing needs, helps with storm water drainage and enhances aesthetics. It can also make it easier for visitors to navigate the cemetery property.

1. Master Plan

A master plan is the roadmap to a cemetery’s future, and a great tool for demonstrating its permanency as a community fixture to both city planning committees and the public. It includes a review of existing burial capacity, consideration for new burial alternatives and improvements to circulation and wayfinding throughout the facility.

The first steps in the process include a program statement developed from sales trends, emerging trends, community demographics and cemetery needs. Then site analysis including understanding topography, drainage, soils, climate, zoning and adjacent land uses is completed. From this, a development framework and theme is developed with the various program elements mapped to the site based on their functional relationships.

Several other reports accompany the Master Plan: an Operations Report recommends that staff be kept at current levels but reorganized to improve efficiency and effectiveness; a Management Report looks at three governance and management models and recommends that Council establish a Cemetery Advisory Board in the short term and a Cemetery Foundation to encourage charitable support for non-revenue producing improvements in the long term.

2. Green Footprint

Depending on culture, religion and location, there are many different types of cemeteries. They include monumental cemetery, memorial park, garden cemetery, VA cemeteries and natural or green burial grounds.

Most cemeteries have some systematic layout of graves which are grouped together into larger sections. This helps the cemetery administration in managing the space and also assists friends or family members when they visit to find a specific grave.

Graves are usually dug to a standard depth. This makes it easy to dig new single graves in old cemeteries but can cause distress when people find older double or even triple graves with no headstone indicating which is their relative’s grave.

Sometimes a cemetery has to re-use older graves in order to keep up with the demand for burial space. But this can lead to public uproar when there are vocal descendants who object to re-use of their relatives’ graves. One practical solution is to ensure that the land for lawn cemeteries is completely flat so that the grave plaques can be easily seen above the grass and not obscured by mower blades.

3. Accessibility

Considering the demographic of your cemetery’s visitors, and what the future might bring in terms of physical or mobility challenges, is important. The ability to navigate the property without having to climb stairs is essential for a good experience for all, and it should be possible for those with limited mobility to enjoy the grounds.

Cemeteries should also consider the growing inclination toward cremation interment, and designing ways to provide attractive options for that within a cemetery setting. This will allow the use of less land, and a landscape that works with natural systems rather than against them.

If a new cemetery site has an iconic feature such as a water feature, a wooded hillside or high point, I think it is important to emphasize those elements in the design. This will give the cemetery a unique identity and create a memorable place. It will also allow the development to be more sensitive to change as market trends shift.

4. Headstones

The headstone is a marker for the grave and a humanizing tribute to a loved one. It may include important details like name, title, age, key dates and an epitaph engraved in a style that will be legible for generations.

These days, large up-right tombstones are less common than smaller, simpler plaque-like pieces. They are usually carved in granite or marble and are placed directly on the ground at the head of the grave site.

Monument crafters now use laser etching and sandblasting techniques that make it possible to display nearly any image, symbol or inscription on a granite headstone. This kind of flexibility enables grieving families to create a memorial that reflects the essence of their loved one. A granite memorial is also a durable option that can withstand harsh weather conditions and natural wear and tear over time. It can be cleaned with a bit of water and soap to keep it looking beautiful for generations to come.

Cemeteries are complicated places with many responsibilities and obligations that must be fulfilled for the sake of loved ones, families, and future generations.

A cemetery is a place of history, culture, and beauty that can be preserved through education, advocacy, and community involvement. The first step is to examine the site and consider its needs.

What Is a Cemetery?

A cemetery, also known as a burial ground or graveyard, is land set aside for the interment of dead people. It differs from a churchyard in that it isn’t affiliated with a specific religious congregation and non-religious people can be buried there.

Burial options include burying in an above-ground tomb or mausoleum crypt, entombment in a sarcophagus, or cremation and inurnment. A tombstone is generally placed on the burial site to mark the location.

Cemeteries may be public or private; not-for-profit or for-profit; and religious or secular. Each has its own ownership structure, financial endowment plan, and staff configuration.

Why Are Cemeteries Important?

Cemeteries are important for people who want to remember their deceased loved ones. The gravestones in a cemetery can tell a great deal about the person who was buried there and allow their relatives to visit them. Modern cemeteries often offer services like genealogy information and flower placement programs.

In the case of natural cemeteries, they may also be able to provide valuable ecosystem services like wildlife habitat. In fact, one of Vienna’s largest green areas, Zentralfriedhof, has a tree register which records the age and species of trees there.

As such, a number of ecological solutions have been developed for cemeteries to enhance their habitat function and biodiversity. However, research in this area is limited. Most studies focus on woody or ornamental plants.

What Are the Different Types of Cemeteries?

There are several different types of cemeteries. Some are run by a local government and are open to all, while others are run by religious organizations or families. A few are also dedicated to specific groups, such as veterans or pets.

Natural or green cemeteries (also called eco-cemeteries) allow the body to decompose naturally in a wild landscape and return to the earth. These sites usually do not have headstones. Instead, they may have exact GPS recordings or the markings of a tree, bush or rock.

District or municipal cemeteries are run by local government bodies and can be a little more restrictive, with regulations on headstone design for example. They may also have a section reserved for those who cannot afford to pay for burial in other types of cemeteries.

What Are the Rules of Cemeteries?

The laws of the state allow cemetery corporations to regulate their own property within limits. The police power may also be used to require a discontinuance of a cemetery where burials are injurious to the public health, but this power must be exercised reasonably and not arbitrarily.

Whenever you visit a cemetery, respect the people who are buried there and the memory of those who have passed on. Avoid littering; place trash in designated receptacles. Keep pets leashed; they may disturb other visitors and cause damage to monuments or graves.

All regulated cemeteries must put 10% of each sale and $35 from every interment in a Permanent Maintenance Fund, which is invested to provide income for future cemetery maintenance. Any requests for service charge increases must be fully documented and approved by the Cemetery Board.

How Can I Visit a Cemetery?

When visiting a cemetery, it’s important to respect the space. This means not yelling, blasting music, or carrying on conversations. Other visitors may be experiencing grief and don’t want to be interrupted. It’s also a good idea to bring a quiet book or journal, as it can be very reflective and soothing.

Most cemeteries have their own rules and regulations, which should be read before going to a graveyard. They may have a specific time of day they are open, or rules about flowers or other items being left at the grave site.

It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as you might be walking over uneven ground or in a jungle of trees and shrubs. Bringing a mirror can also be helpful to help read the inscriptions on the grave stones, especially if it’s dark out.

One of Houston’s darkest chapters is getting the light it deserves, thanks to Memorial Park Conservancy and Buffalo Soldiers Museum. The 1917 Houston Mutiny and Riots are the focus of a new onsite audio exhibit.

Designed to serve multiple audiences, memorial park provides natural beauty for meditation and peace for grieving families. It also offers a sense of dignity for all veterans and their loved ones.

History

The story of Memorial Park is not only about how it became one of the 10 largest city parks in the nation, but also how it was born of war. The full tale is told in a new book entitled Memorial Park: A Priceless Legacy, published by Herring Press.

During World War I, the site of Memorial Park served as Camp Logan – a training center for millions of soldiers who were drafted after the Selective Service Act passed in 1917. To commemorate the anniversary of this event, a new historical exhibit is being launched in the 100-acre Clay Family Eastern Glades.

The exhibit features six onsite audio experiences that take place in the space and can be accessed via a QR code reader on your mobile device. For a map of possible grave sites, click here.

The Memorial Walls

The Memorial Park features multiple monuments and statues that honor local military veterans. This unique space is a gathering place for veterans, families and communities to celebrate and recognize our local heroes.

The largest memorial at the site is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Thousands of names of fallen service members are inscribed on the panels. A visit to the Memorial can be an emotional experience as visitors run their hands along the walls and carefully read each name.

The 168 chairs represent the nine floors of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that were destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. Each chair bears the name of a victim killed in the attacks. The Gold Star Monument is the newest structure to be built at the memorial park. It was designed with style guidelines set by the Woody Williams Foundation and Delaware Gold Star Families.

The Vietnam War

The memorial park has a very important position in Fruita because it is located right on the major highway. This means that it can attract a national audience.

The foundation launched a competition at schools to find a design for the monument. The winner, Fort Worth resident Ryan Scieneaux, designed a tree of life surrounded by marble slabs, each displaying the names of soldiers who died in Vietnam.

The Museum of Flight’s Boeing B-52G was transported and installed at the new memorial park in May 2019. It is one of the largest warbirds on display. Its relocation brings the old saying “all gave some, some gave all” to life. It is an honor to see it back in its place of glory. It is a place for all to visit and reflect.

The Gold Star Monument

The Gold Star Monument at Memorial Park honors families who have lost a loved one in military service. It was inspired by the Gold Star Mothers, a national organization founded in 1928. A family member of a fallen soldier may purchase a plaque at the monument and display it to honor their loved one’s memory.

The memorial is a gathering place for families and a location for yearly candlelight vigils. It is also the home to a nationally popular and locally renowned jogging trail that is used by local residents as well as professional sports athletes.

A memorial was built at Memorial Park in 2023 by GSFMM – the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument (GSFMM). The monument is part of a larger effort by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel Woody Williams to encourage communities nationwide to establish their own Gold Star Families memorials.

The Bald Eagle Statue

When you first enter memorial park, two small metal bald eagles are located at the entrance of the grounds. These are smaller versions of the larger ones that adorn a monument deeper within the park.

These eagles symbolize freedom and the strength of the American spirit. The eagles are a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans to protect and provide for their country.

The GWOT monument features a bronze bald eagle clutching an actual piece of the World Trade Center in its talons. The sculpture was donated by the community. Across the top of the monument are black granite history panels that each tell the story of a war or conflict on American soil.

Memorial Park offers residents of Farmington Hills a place for quiet reflection and to honor their loved ones who have passed away. Instead of competing headstones, this beautiful memorial park uses dignified, sculpted bronze markers lying flat on landscaped plots.

The mission of the funeral bureau is to receive consumer inquiries and complaints, license funeral practitioners and establishments, register trainees in funeral service, and inspect funeral homes and crematory establishments. In addition, the Board adjudicates complaints against licensed professionals and imposes disciplinary sanctions.

Licensing requirements vary by state for funeral directors and embalmers. Some states also have licensing boards for funeral schools.

They can help you make arrangements

Funeral arrangements are often complex and expensive, but a funeral director can help you make them in a way that fits your budget and personal preferences. They will meet with family members or friends to discuss options such as caskets, burial plots, and memorial services. They will also coordinate with funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Under the Rule, a funeral home must provide a general price list (GPL) to anyone who inquires about funeral goods or services. The GPL must include a written description of each casket or alternative container regularly offered for sale, and the retail price of each item.

Some funeral providers enter into agreements with burial societies, religious groups, or memorial groups to arrange funerals for their members at special prices. You can offer package funeral arrangements, but you must still provide a GPL and comply with other Rule requirements when an individual from these groups inquires about funeral arrangements. The funeral home must also disclose any custodial care fee charged to hold the body.

They can provide cemetery monuments or cremation urns

Cremation urns are used to hold the cremated remains of a loved one. They come in a variety of designs, from simple to elaborate. Many families display them in their homes or use them as remembrance vessels. Many of them are crafted in wood or a metal such as bronze. They can also be personalized with a special message or design.

Upright cemetery monuments and flat markers are available in granite, marble and bronze and mark graves in national, state veterans’ or military post/base cemeteries. Families may also purchase an individual headstone or marker based on inscription information for burial in private family estate mausoleums and columbaria.

Funeral providers are required to provide consumers with a General Price List (GPL) when they meet face-to-face for an arrangements conference, but they do not have to send a GPL by telephone or mail if the consumer does not request it. However, they must give it to consumers who make a written inquiry after hours and when they cannot meet face-to-face with the funeral director.

They can help you plan a home funeral

The death of a loved one can be very stressful, but funeral planning can help reduce some of the stress and confusion. It can also allow for a more meaningful and dignified farewell. By communicating openly with family members, discussing financial aspects, and preplanning a funeral service, individuals can navigate this challenging process with peace of mind.

Many funeral homes offer packages to lower costs, but you should always compare prices. You should also ask the funeral home to provide you with a casket price list before you decide on anything. This is a requirement under the Funeral Rule, which protects consumers from overcharges.

Funeral directors can also help you plan a wake, or ceremony that takes place after the funeral. They can help you make arrangements for music, catering, and other special requests. They can also arrange to have a video tribute made from photos and videos of your loved one. They can also help you publish an obituary and send out condolences to friends and relatives.

They can help you find a licensed funeral director or embalmer

The Funeral Bureau is responsible for overseeing and investigating consumer complaints about funeral homes and cremation services. It regulates the funeral business and establishes minimum professional standards for funeral directors, embalmers, and cemeteries. The Bureau also issues burial licenses.

Licensed funeral homes, embalmers, and apprentice embalmers must be registered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Office of Vital Records to file a death certificate. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, in-person ordering of death certificates has been suspended.

If your funeral business does not provide the necessary licenses, it may be illegal to operate. The Bureau can also fine you for violating the law. You can also find a reputable funeral director or embalmer by looking online. Some firms offer packages to reduce the cost of funerals. The packages typically include a casket, grave marker, and funeral service. Some firms also provide cemetery monuments and cremation urns. The LAFS has promoted advance planning and the consumer’s right to choose a funeral since 1963.

A mortuary is a place where bodies are stored temporarily until autopsies can be performed. They can be found either attached to funeral homes or in a department of forensic medicine.

Mortuary workers use their communication, organization and empathy skills to help grieving families. They also must have technical and problem solving skills to complete their duties.

Working Conditions

Mortuary workers must be able to remain professional even in the face of unpleasant or upsetting situations. They must also be able to use surgical instruments, perform autopsies on bodies and work with embalmers. A mortician’s job can be somber and challenging, but it can also be fulfilling for those who are suited to this unique career.

Hospital morgues are responsible for the reception, transportation and temporary storage of corpses. Pathologists staff these facilities and may conduct postmortem examinations to determine the cause of death. They may also prepare a body for burial, cremation or memorial services.

A recent study found that most hospital mortuary attendants do not receive formal education and lack the knowledge needed to observe safety protocols and precautions. This can lead to injuries and illness for these employees.

Job Duties

Mortuaries and funeral homes provide similar services, although funeral homes are more adept at planning a memorial service. Both facilities prepare a deceased person’s remains for burial or cremation, offer grief counseling and handle any paperwork associated with the death, such as the death certificate, obituary and funeral arrangements.

If you’re interested in a career in the mortuary business, you need to be empathetic and have good communication skills. Family service counselors and funeral home associates work directly with families to explain the products and services they offer, arrange product pricing and answer any questions clients may have.

Morgue attendants, also known as pathologists’ assistants, perform a variety of tasks in and around morgues. They prepare bodies and organ specimens for examination, clean and set up instruments, pick tissue samples and ensure all cadavers are tagged properly. They often work on 24-hour shifts, so they must be able to focus for long periods of time.

Education Requirements

Morgue employees need to be trained and licensed, with education requirements varying by state. Many states require funeral workers to have an associate degree from a mortuary science program and pass a licensing exam. Others have separate education and licensing requirements for embalmers and funeral directors.

In addition to coursework in mortuary science and funeral service, an associate degree program usually requires courses in restorative arts and ethics and law and grief counseling. Students can complete these courses at an on-campus or online school.

To get the most out of their college experience, aspiring morgue employees should seek out internship opportunities and part-time jobs at local funeral homes or coroner’s offices to gain relevant experience in the industry before graduation. This will also help them feel more comfortable dealing with the sensitive work environment and working around dead bodies. It is important for these workers to have computer skills because they may need to enter data or keep records of cadavers.

Working Hours

Although it may seem like a morbid job to do, many mortuary workers are highly satisfied with their careers. This is due to the variety of responsibilities they have in their role and the fact that they focus on looking after families and making the grieving process as easy as possible for them.

Generally, morticians work out of a funeral home and are responsible for the end-to-end funerary process. This includes meeting with the bereaved family and guiding them through the different funeral options available. They also handle the logistics of preparing the body and arranging transport to the funeral venue.

Some of the duties that they undertake include loading and unloading bodies from City, EMS and funeral director hearses, taking identification head shot photos and assisting Medical Examiners in all autopsy procedures as directed. Additionally, they maintain the premise, equipment and mortuary autopsy rooms in a clean and sanitary condition. They may also help to prepare bodies for cremation and burial.