Category: News

A cemetery is a place to honor and pay tribute to departed loved ones. It is also a place of peace and comfort for those who visit the grounds.

Some towns restrict access to graveyards because of the potential for damage to the markers. Moreover, rough handling and abrasive brushing can also damage the stones.

Modern day cemeteries

With their opulent manicured lawns, concrete burial vaults and silo-sized tanks of weed killer, modern cemeteries are often seen as wasteful environmental abominations. But they have a lot to offer, including an opportunity to rethink the way we think about death.

A growing number of people are choosing cremation rather than burial. While the ashes can be kept at home in an urn or scattered in a meaningful place, this option doesn’t allow for a permanent memorial.

Dwindling land options are causing many cities to reconsider the use of traditional graveyards. One solution is to build multi-story graveyards that can accommodate thousands of stacked crypts. But this requires a cultural adjustment. To a society accustomed to permanence, it will be difficult to accept a cemetery that recycles plots for the living.

Monuments and memorials

Monuments and memorials can take a variety of forms. They can be stone structures, murals, the name of a street or place or a website that enables people to remember someone who has passed away. They can also be virtual and evoke an emotional response in people around the world.

Traditionally, war memorials emphasize the heroics of fallen soldiers by subsuming their deaths under a larger national cause. Counter-memorials, on the other hand, focus on victims and loss, thereby challenging prevailing historical narratives.

These differences in commemorative trends reveal broader social patterns of mourning. Moreover, they point to the need for educators to teach students about these sites and their meanings. The learning process can be facilitated by understanding the visual elements and inherent meanings of monuments and memorials.

Raised vaults or tombs

A burial vault is a structure built to protect caskets and urns after interment. It is also designed to support the ground around the grave and prevent it from subsiding. Vault prices vary depending on features and customization options. Some are even able to hold photographs, which is important for family members that want their loved ones to be remembered in a special way.

During recent storms, coffins in above-ground vaults have floated to the surface. While this is not a common occurrence, it should be noted. In the past, vaults were often buried at double depth. This involves burying the first container to about nine feet below the ground and then placing the second at the standard six-foot-deep grave site. Another term for a burial vault is a crypt.

Burial practices

Cemeteries offer a range of burial options to meet the needs of their community. They may offer traditional in-ground burial plots, mausoleum buildings that provide above ground entombment, or both. The type of burial options available reflects religion, culture, and tradition.

Burial mounds were often erected to express the wealth and power of the commissioners who commissioned them, such as those at Jelling in Denmark or Gamla Uppsala in Sweden. The size of the burial mound tells us how much money and labour went into its construction.

In some Catholic nations, grave candles are placed at a tomb to commemorate the dead. War graves are often marked with a timber remembrance cross and red poppy wreath. The practice of burying objects like keys and books beside the body has disappeared, as have food offerings.

Locations

Some jurisdictions may have local historic area zoning ordinances that protect cemeteries and burial sites. This is an important part of the effort to preserve our cultural landscapes.

Family (or private) cemeteries were a common practice during the settlement of America. Often, families would look for a small plot of land, usually in wooded areas or farm fields, to bury their dead.

By the early 19th century, church graveyards had filled up and independent sites called cemeteries became more popular as designated final resting places. These independent sites were not necessarily co-located with a house of worship and tended to be designed to look like attractive parks.

In 1924, the land that would become Memorial Park was a forest. It was then leased by the War Department for use as a training base for World War I soldiers.

Various civic leaders and philanthropists came together to form the Citizens Committee. They raised $52,000 in two years and commissioned sculptor Charles Adrian Pillars.

It is a place of remembrance

A memorial park offers family and friends a place to honor the memory of their loved ones. It provides a space for mourning and reflection, and can help them cope with difficult events like birthdays and anniversaries. A permanent tribute can also provide a link to the past for generations to come.

Memorial parks use flat, engraved markers to mark graves. This allows for a more natural environment that makes the grounds feel less like a cemetery and more like an outdoor park. The design is further enhanced by grassy areas, trees that offer shade, and a variety of memorial monuments and mausoleums.

In addition to traditional casket burials, the cemetery inters cremation urns year-round in ground and above ground columbariums. All internments are memorialized with a government marker that includes the name, branch of service, war period, birth date and death date. Family members may choose to add a special inscription or term of endearment.

It is a place of peace

Memorial parks are a new type of cemetery introduced about 75 years ago. They use dignified engraved markers lying flat on landscaped plots, and they often include water features and statuary. They also include a variety of trees and flowering gardens. This allows them to be more like parks and less like traditional cemeteries.

The Peace Park in Hiroshima is dedicated to comfort the souls of those who died from the atomic bombing and pray for eternal world peace. The Park is also home to the Peace Museum, a meditation forest, and the Peace Bell.

The Peace Bell is a symbol of the hope for a nuclear-free world and was created by a local master bell-caster in 1964. The inscription reads “Peace is the way. Peace is the goal.” The bell is rung at all events and on special occasions. The park is also a special place for Gold Star families, which are those who have lost a loved one in military service.

It is a place of recreation

A memorial park is a type of cemetery that uses flat bronze markers instead of vertical monuments to mark burial plots. The grounds are maintained in an open, beautiful natural setting to create a place that is less about mourning and more about life celebration. They also feature a variety of trees and gardens, as well as fountains or statuary to create an environment that is more appealing than traditional cemeteries.

Leeds Memorial Park has a one and a half mile walking track and a playground for children of all ages. It is also home to baseball, softball and soccer fields, the Leeds Veterans Memorial and pavilions available for rental. The city maintains the park and hires employees to keep it looking its best.

This park is popular for passive recreational activities, including concerts and July 4 events. It is also a destination for families with young children. The city has recently added 4 pickleball courts to the park, giving players 5 dedicated courts to play on.

It is a place of education

The National Mall and Memorial Parks offer many educational opportunities for students of all ages. These resources can help educators teach about American history, science, art, and culture. The NAMA Notebook is a place for educators to share curriculum ideas and best practices.

The Memorial Park consists of several landscape features, including an entrance walkway, tall trees, and a memorial plaza. It is designed to evoke a sense of dignity and honor for the victims, emergency personnel, and countless lives altered by the accident.

Helen and Adolph Kemper donated the Park in memory of their son and other local soldiers who died during World War II. In a dedication speech, School Board Trustee Theodore Riegel emphasized that the Park would become “an atmosphere of beauty as worthy as the men who gave their lives to save it.” To achieve this goal the Park is maintained by the Kemper Memorial Park Preservation Fund, which was established in 1947.

Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and making funeral arrangements can add to the stress. This guide will help you find the right funeral home for your needs.

The office of the Bureau oversees licensees in the practice of funeral directing, embalming and funeral establishments; inspection of funeral homes; investigations of consumer complaints; and examinations of preneed funeral contracts and trust funds.

Licensed Funeral Director

A licensed funeral director is a person who arranges funerals and other memorial services, assists grieving families, and transports the bodies to their final resting place. The funeral director must have a high level of compassion and a sturdy constitution – handling the dead is not for everyone. The person must also have the right education and job skillset to work in this industry.

The licensing requirements vary by state, but all include mortuary science classes such as pathology, embalming chemistry and restorative art. Some programs also have on-the-job training in which you apprentice under an experienced funeral director and embalmer. This can last one to three years. Some states have grade requirements, while others interview applicants before approving them for licenses.

After completing the FSAD program, you must take both the Arts and Sciences sections of the National Board Examination (NBE). The NBE is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

Licensed Embalmer

Many people do not think of a career as an embalmer when considering their future, but this profession offers a unique opportunity to serve families during one of their most difficult times. Embalmers are responsible for preparing bodies for burial or cremation and must be licensed in their state. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require an associate’s degree and an apprenticeship under a licensed embalmer.

Mortuary science degree programs include a variety of technical courses such as anatomy, cadaver dissection, and embalming techniques. They also cover more general subjects like office management, law and ethics, and human resources.

Some states prohibit individuals with certain felony convictions from becoming embalmers, but these restrictions are handled on a case-by-case basis. Those with criminal records may still be eligible for licensing if they can demonstrate that their skills and knowledge are comparable to those of a licensed embalmer. Moreover, some states have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.

Licensed Cemetery

Whether you are planning on burying your loved ones in a cemetery or scattering their remains, it is important to understand the licensing requirements. Most states have laws regulating cemeteries. Many of these laws require a license or permit to operate. Other requirements include building codes and zoning. You may also need business insurance, which will protect your company in the event of a loss.

In addition, the laws often regulate care funds. A private cemetery must file an annual report describing its investments and showing the assets and disbursements in its care fund. The reports must also be available for inspection.

If a private cemetery violates any of the state’s laws, it could be subject to fines and closure. For instance, it is illegal to charge for services that are not provided. The laws also prohibit cemeteries from taking any land by deed, devise or merger without the consent of the cemetery board. This includes municipal, private, national and family cemeteries.

Licensed Crematory

Cremation is a popular choice for many families. There are approximately 150 cremation facilities in New York state. Cremation involves using high heat to reduce the body to ashes, bones and metals. The ashes can then be buried or scattered. Some crematories also offer transport and delivery services for the remains. Crematory operators must be licensed in the funeral industry and obtain specific operational permits from DEC.

Funeral home owners and managers should review the Board’s rules and regulations regarding pricing disclosure, embalming room requirements, sanitation and cleanliness and safety issues. NFDA does not endorse or recommend any particular firms.

The Board’s executive director, administrative assistants and field representatives handle the license application and renewal process, investigate consumer complaints and inspect funeral establishments. The Board is a member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, which addresses licensure qualifications, examination, state-to-state reciprocity and other issues that impact the boards’ mission. Its periodic newsletters facilitate the exchange of information among members.

A mortuary is a place where the dead are stored until they can be buried or cremated. They usually offer the same services as a funeral home, but they have a more clinical environment and focus on mortuary sciences.

They are also more likely to offer cremation services, which involve reducing the body to ashes that can be buried or stored in a columbarium.

Embalming

Embalming is the process of preserving a body to delay the natural breakdown of cells that occurs after death. This prevents deterioration and allows family members to spend time with their loved ones before they are buried or cremated. It is a common practice and has been around in some form for thousands of years.

During embalming, the funeral director will first wash the body and then start the procedure of replacing internal fluids with a mixture of chemicals that preserve it. This process is called cavity embalming and involves making a small incision to drain the abdomen and thoracic cavities. A needle called a trocar is then used to aspirate the organs, removing blood and other bodily fluids.

After completing cavity embalming, the funeral director will then prepare the body cosmetically for visitation and funeral services. They will add facial make-up to create a more lifelike appearance and may apply light cosmetic massage cream. They will also rehydrate the skin and make any cosmetic corrections to features that have dehydrated due to lack of blood circulation.

Burial

Mortuaries are used to store human bodies that are awaiting burial, cremation or other methods of disposal. Typically, they are kept refrigerated to slow down the natural decomposition process. This can make the process of identification and examination easier.

In the case of a disaster that overwhelms the capacity of a local morgue, public facilities such as ice rinks and refrigerator trucks can be designated to act as temporary morgues until permanent facilities can be established. In this way, the bodies of the victims can be disposed of as needed without disrupting a local community’s customary practices.

In many cultures, burial is seen as a respectful way to honor the dead. The practice can bring closure for a loved one’s family and friends. Some cultures also believe that burying a body is necessary to prevent pollution or the spread of diseases. This is especially important for bodies that will be buried in soil that may contain toxic substances.

Cremation

Cremation was a popular choice for people who wanted to reduce their environmental footprint during the green movement of the 1960’s. As the movement evolved and shifted into the new millennium, new motivations became driving factors for choosing cremation.

Prior to cremation the body is cleaned, dressed and inspected for any metal objects such as pins, screws, mechanical devices (like pacemakers) and prosthetic limbs that need to be removed before cremation in order to prevent reactions during the process. After this the body is placed into a container that is then moved to the cremation chamber (retort).

Once in the retort the body is incinerated at high temperatures until it has been reduced to bones and calcified fragments, commonly referred to as ashes. Once cooled, the ashes are transferred to a temporary container or an urn provided by the family. It takes between one and three hours for the cremation to be completed. This allows time for family and friends to travel to the funeral.

Funerals

A funeral is a final ceremony that helps mourners say their last farewells. It provides an opportunity to share condolences, receive support and celebrate a life well lived. A funeral is not for the deceased but for the living, and it serves as an important social ritual in many cultures.

A mortuary is a building or room where dead bodies are kept before they are buried, cremated or identified. They are usually refrigerated to slow down decomposition and may be embalmed if the body is going to a public viewing or funeral service.

Funeral homes are full-service businesses that prepare a body for burial or cremation as well as providing services such as visitation, wake and religious services. A funeral director is the person who meets with you to discuss your preferences, and leads you through the process. Public Health Law 4201 allows you to designate an agent to make arrangements on your behalf, but this does not obligate you to pay for those services.

While it might seem like the difference between cemetery and graveyard is semantic, language is a lot more fluid than we think.

Those of high social status were typically interred in a crypt within the church or its graveyard.

Over time, churches began to run out of space and large cemeteries unaffiliated with churches came into existence. This is when the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery became more apparent.

Definition

Graveyard describes burial grounds affiliated with a church. They are usually located on the church’s property and tend to be smaller than a cemetery because of limited space.

During the Middle Ages, people of high social status were often interred in crypts inside their place of worship. Less wealthy congregants were buried in the area around the church, which eventually became known as a graveyard.

The word cemetery describes a more modern burial ground that is not affiliated with any particular religion. It is derived from the Germanic word graban, which means to dig. Despite the fact that the words are used interchangeably today, linguistic precision is best served by using graveyard for church-affiliated burial grounds and cemetery for those that are unaffiliated with any religious institution.

Origin

The word graveyard has several origins, some of which have been discarded. The term is used to describe a burial ground that adjoins a church, although it has been used in place of other names throughout history.

Traditionally, those who were rich or noble were buried close to the church (the ‘churchyard’). As these sites became full, new burial grounds were established on land that was not consecrated. These are now called ‘cemeteries’.

Due to sanitary concerns, certain groups were forbidden from being buried in a graveyard (like criminals and the poor). This was also true for Christians until recently when they accepted cremation and ashes burial as an alternative. These days, there is very little distinction between a cemetery and a graveyard. This is partly due to the fact that many people use both terms interchangeably.

Place of Burial

From around the 7th century in Europe burial was under church control and could only be carried out on consecrated ground. Wealthy or otherwise powerful Christians were interred in crypts inside churches, while less wealthy congregants were buried outside in graveyards.

Burial can involve many rituals and is generally seen as a sign of respect for the dead. In some cultures, it may also symbolize rebirth or continuity with the past.

Burial can include containers such as shrouds, coffins, or grave liners that slow decomposition and prevent contamination by bacteria. Other options include embalming and mummification, and some cultures may dress the corpse in fancy or ceremonial garb. Decorations such as flowers, urns with ashes, and statues can be added to a graveyard to increase its rating.

Symbolism

Symbols are often associated with graveyards, both as motifs and carvings. These designs may represent the deceased’s beliefs, or may refer to their life and career. They are also a way of showing respect for the dead.

An anchor symbolises hope, the attribute of Saint Nicholas (patron saint of seamen), and the concept of steadfastness. The dove indicates purity and innocence; the butterfly represents metamorphosis or change. Ivy is a symbol of immortality, due to its hardiness and tendency to grow back. It is also a common horticultural symbol of remembrance.

Some symbols are common, such as the skull and crossbones and the hourglass. Others are less well known. The compass and carpenter’s square, for example, indicate the person was a Freemason. They may also have been a Masonic initiate.

Etymology

The terms graveyard and cemetery are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In general, a graveyard is a burial ground that is affiliated with a church. The church typically controls who is buried in the graveyard and only members of that church can be buried there.

In medieval times, wealthy or important Christians were buried in crypts inside their place of worship. Less wealthy congregants were buried in the graveyard outside of the church.

When doctors wanted to study human anatomy, they would often hire grave robbers to steal skeletons from recently buried bodies and keep them in their cupboards at home. This is the origin of the idiom, “Every doctor has a skeleton in his cupboard.” Let your loved ones know your end-of-life wishes ahead of time with Cake’s free, easy-to-use planning tools.

Cemeteries are sensitive spaces where bidding a loved one goodbye is very personal. However, they also play a crucial role in cities’ urban real estate and sustainability.

Martha Lyon, a landscape architect, says cash-strapped municipalities don’t tend to invest in cemetery landscaping. But upfront improvements, like converting asphalt roads to permeable surfaces, reduce maintenance costs.

Master Plan

A Cemetery Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that provides a roadmap for long term planning and enables the Cemetery to meet the needs of its clients. It includes the analysis and design of the overall cemetery site, a list of short and long term needs and a detailed implementation plan for a variety of projects.

Proper grading and drainage are critical for Cemetery grounds as they should direct water away from gravesites and buildings and into appropriate areas. These drainage systems must be carefully designed by a professional to ensure that they are functional and do not cause any flooding or seepage problems.

Good Cemetery Design adds value and increases revenues. For example, those burial plots near scenic and beautiful spaces and features command premium prices over a standard lawn burial. Providing options like cremation gardens and tree planting also help to promote the idea of green burial and sustainable futures. Other cemetery amenities such as outdoor lighting, monument and plaque signage that follows protocol and hardscapes that are in proportion with the site layout are important.

Accessibility

Bidding a final goodbye is a highly personal gesture and the cemetery must accommodate a variety of family, religious and cultural traditions. This can be a challenging task and requires a broad knowledge of how to design and manage this delicate space.

A cemetery must also be accessible to its visitors. Whether they are elderly people, families with young children or people who are grieving, they need to be able to find their way around the site without difficulty. The Cemetery Design must include clear and simple signage so that visitors can easily navigate the grounds.

In addition to signage, the Cemetery should provide adequate parking for those who visit the graves. This will ensure that visitors do not have to walk long distances and that the cemetery remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It is also important to consider the use of green technologies in order to make the cemetery more sustainable.

Signage

Signage is an important aspect of cemetery design. It helps people find their way around the cemetery and avoid getting lost. It also reminds people to show respect to their loved ones. Cemetery signs are also a great way to promote community outreach and encourage visitors to come back regularly.

Many cemeteries have rules and regulations regarding the type, size, and construction of memorials. These restrictions are generally cemetery wide, but can also apply to specific burial sites. These rules and regulations are designed to ensure that memorials are safe and maintained, so that the cemetery can continue to operate effectively.

Stephen Chiavaroli is a GIS Specialist and Cemetery Planner with years of experience providing comprehensive mapping and planning solutions. He has helped numerous clients unlock additional revenue by improving their cemetery inventory analysis and development strategies. He has also presented at several professional conferences. He has an extensive background in Cemetery Mapping & Planning and is committed to promoting best practices.

Plantings

Plantings in a cemetery help visitors connect with the deceased. They are also a way for families to honor their loved ones. The plantings can include trees, shrubs or flowers.

Most modern cemeteries have enacted rules regarding what can be planted on a grave. These rules usually help to streamline maintenance and prevent situations that are deemed unsightly or detrimental to the overall landscape.

A common choice is to plant a flower garden at a loved one’s grave. It is important to choose plants that are low maintenance and will not be affected by a long period of drought. Some good choices are geraniums, astilbe, chrysanthemums, marigolds and zinnias. These are easy to grow and provide many colors. They are often deer resistant as well.

Other good choices are hollyhocks and lilyturfs. They add a nice color in the fall and are a great contrast to the green of the rest of the plantings. Heather, which is hardy and blooms without interruption, is another good choice.

A cemetery is a serene place to visit loved ones, reminisce and pay their respects. It also serves as a historical repository of information about people who lived nearby.

A cemetery app makes it easier for family historians to locate graves of their ancestors. Previously, it would have been necessary to bring along a map, GPS device and laptop to find the right graves.

The History of Cemeteries

A cemetery is land that has been specifically set aside for the burial or entombment of human remains. It is a place where people go to pay their respects to the dead and often also serve as a memorial for those who have died. The layout and design of cemeteries reflect local geography, social attitudes, religion, aesthetic and sanitary precautions.

From the 7th century CE, church-controlled graveyards became common. The church would only allow members of the congregation to be buried on its ground, leading to overcrowding and poor conditions.

In the 1800s, curated gardens with paths and gazeboes began to replace these overcrowded areas of tombstones. Nowadays, many families who have loved ones buried in graveyards like to create shrines on their children’s and spouses’ graves, decorating them with flowers, wind chimes, toys and other objects. Although cemetery authorities usually attempt to limit the number and type of objects placed on a grave, these rules are often ignored by mourning family members.

Modern Day Cemeteries

In the United States there are over 144,000 cemeteries, which are both time capsules and a testament to America’s attitudes toward death. In his new book, journalist Greg Melville examines these graveyards from Colonial Jamestown to Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill to see what they reveal about religion, race, identity, and imagination.

During the 1800s, urban cemetery management had to become more sophisticated because of limited land available for burials and overcrowding in churchyards. This led to the development of “rural cemeteries,” which were more spacious than city burial grounds and removed the dead from public view.

Some modern-day trends in cemetery design have also focused on removing the dead from public view. For example, Seattle headstone manufacturer Quiring Monuments has incorporated technology into their grave markers by adding QR codes that link to a personal webpage set up by the family of the deceased, which can include photos, messages, and more. This helps mourners connect with the deceased and share memories.

Types of Cemeteries

Cemeteries can be classified into 4 major categories. The type of cemetery you choose will determine your options and cost.

Municipal, or public, cemeteries are owned by cities, towns, and counties and offer a range of services at a lower cost than private cemeteries. They are typically smaller and do not offer as many burial options as private cemeteries.

Private cemeteries are often owned by a religious order, fraternal organization, association, or individual. They generally have more burial options and services than public cemeteries, but they also tend to be more expensive.

Family (or private) cemeteries are where a group of individuals will purchase plots and inter their loved ones together. These are often located on the periphery of town or city centers and have more space than municipal cemeteries. They also usually have more beautiful monuments and mausoleums.

The Meaning of the Word “Cemetery”

The word cemetery comes from the Greek work koimeterion meaning “sleeping place.” It also carries the connotation of being a resting place for the dead.

Until around the 7th century, churches had complete control over burial processes. As a result, burials took place in the graveyards that were attached to their churches and were only available for members of that particular church or religion. Cemeteries are not associated with a specific faith and therefore can be larger than graveyards.

Often, people will visit a cemetery to pay their respects to their loved ones who have passed on. This is a very important part of the grieving process. It is not uncommon for visitors to leave flowers, food, or drinks at a grave site to show their respects and admiration. In some cases, war graves will be marked by small timber remembrance crosses or wreaths. Occasionally, candles will be lit on the grave site as a mark of remembrance.

The park is a recreational outdoor gem frequented by hundreds of Houstonians and visitors daily. It is also one of the largest city parks in America.

The Memorial Park Master Plan addresses contemporary demands on this major urban park while safeguarding its qualities as a major urban wilderness that Houstonians value. It consolidates similar and compatible programs for a more logical and understandable flow of park visitors.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, which took place between 1954 and 1975, was the most divisive war in American history. This was America’s first television war, and images of dead soldiers, prisoners held in North Vietnam and peaceful antiwar protests made headlines.

During President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration (1953-1961), financial aid was provided to pay for South Vietnamese military forces, and American advisors were sent to help them train. At that time, there was considerable concern about the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Today, visitors to The Wall encounter more than 58,000 names etched into black granite. Those who were Missing in Action have a symbol added to their name that represents their fate; those whose remains were recovered are marked with an “+” sign. VVMF also works with the National Park Service to conduct ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, to maintain an archive of those who died in the Vietnam War, and to continue to add names as new information becomes available.

Submariners Monument

The submariner’s ability to carry out silent, deep-sea operations has earned them a place in history. Many submariners were lost in the course of their missions, but those who survived have a long tradition of memorializing those that never came home. Whether in stately monolith, heroic statuary, or graven tablet, submariners have been honored in a variety of ways.

The design for this memorial was based on the inside walls of a submarine. Its architecture resembles the submarine’s bulkheads, and it even has the characteristic limber holes.

The submarine memorial also features an evocative watertight door. It is etched with the names of 52 submarines that were lost during World War II. In addition, visitors can pay their respects to submariners by laying wreaths on the circular base of the monument. A major restoration campaign took place in 2015 and 2016 to stabilize the structure. This involved a team of conservators from various historic restoration and coating firms.

Gold Star Monument

For families who have lost a loved one while serving in the armed forces, a new monument honors their loss and stands as a reminder that freedom is not free. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is the first of its kind in Louisiana, and was unveiled during a dedication ceremony at White Haven Memorial Park on Saturday. The event included remarks by Gov. John Bel Edwards, a performance by the 156th United States Army Band from Bossier City, tribute wreath placements by various veteran service organizations and the unveiling of the memorial.

The stunning black granite monument has two sides, and the engraved words: “Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – A tribute to Mothers, Fathers, Family Members and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for Our Freedom.” The other side tells a story through four granite panels of Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice.

For Stamford resident Frank DeMasi, the monument brought back memories of his brother. He was just 4 when he saw his brother, a soldier killed at Pearl Harbor, and he says his loss has never left him.

Peace Statue

The first thing visitors see as they enter the memorial park is a quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. placed along a wooden-slat wall: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” This framing introduces EJI’s overall social activist and reparative justice mission.

The memorial park continues through a journey that stretches from slavery to lynching and racial terror, with text, narratives, and monuments for the victims of these tragedies. Visitors are confronted with the difficult texts that identify awful justifications for lynching such as interracial relations, speaking out against lynching, or not showing deference to whites.

The second monument, a statue of “Peace,” looms over the memorial park. While WGCW and Korea Verband installed and framed the statue within a particular paradigm, once it was on German soil it started to acquire a new meaning of its own. The statue became a symbol for the anti-nationalist women of the Korean diaspora and inaugurated a discussion about cross-origin identification, belonging, and politics in postmigrant Germany.

Planning a funeral can be stressful. It is also a complex process. There are many decisions to make, including whether to have a burial or cremation. Some people even choose to donate their body.

The Board regulates funeral establishments, directors and embalmers. Consumers can file complaints about these businesses. The Board also investigates and educates consumers about funeral directing practices.

Licensed by the State of California

The state of California licenses funeral homes, crematoriums and directors. It also investigates complaints from consumers about their services. The Bureau regulates all aspects of the business, including casket sales, obituaries and memorial services, transferring remains to a different funeral establishment and storing cemetery property. Its regulations are available online.

College mortuary science programs usually last from 2 to 4 years. They are accreditated by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Many of them are located at universities and community colleges. Some offer bachelor’s degrees.

The law requires a funeral establishment to give you an itemized statement of your choices, including charges for outside vendor services arranged by the funeral director. It must also include an estimate of all unallocated overhead costs, such as taxes, insurance and advertising.

The Bureau does not have jurisdiction over cemeteries operated by religious organizations, cities, counties, or cemetery districts, or by the military or Native American tribal organizations. For information on a cemetery not licensed by the Bureau, contact the governing organization.

Licensed by the State of Nevada

As a funeral provider, you are responsible for complying with the Funeral Rule, which requires you to provide consumers with a General Price List (GPL), Casket Price List, and Outer Burial Container Price List. You are also required to give them a written Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected, which includes an itemized breakdown of the prices for the goods and services they select.

You must offer the GPL to anyone who inquires about funeral goods and services, including those making pre-need arrangements. However, you do not have to send the GPL to people who make telephone or mail inquiries.

A cemetery regulated by the Bureau may collect a non-declinable fee to establish an endowment care fund. This fund, which is supervised by the State, allows the cemetery to use the interest earned to pay for the maintenance of the cemetery facilities and grounds. This fee must be included in the basic services fee or listed as an additional service on the GPL.

Licensed by the State of Texas

The Texas Funeral Service Commission regulates the funeral industry by issuing licenses for embalmers and funeral directors; inspecting funeral establishments; and reviewing complaints. The Commission also holds disciplinary hearings. The EAD finding aid includes minutes, correspondence, policy manuals, and press releases. The records were appraised as archival by State Archives staff in 1997.

Working in the death care industry presents unique challenges and a consumer base that is often in the throes of grief. It requires special qualifications, including compassion and strong organizational skills. Fortunately, there are many programs available to prepare students for this career.

These programs range from an Associate of Applied Science, which is an undergraduate academic degree (covering both Embalming and Funeral Directing) to the Funeral Director’s Program, which is a certificate program. Some of these programs also offer distance education. These courses allow students to complete coursework online, at their own pace. However, they must still attend the classroom component of their courses.

Licensed by the State of New York

The Funeral Rule applies to all businesses that sell or offer to sell funeral goods and services. This includes cemeteries, crematories, funeral directors, and firms that perform ancillary funeral directing services, such as preparing and posting notices, sheltering remains, and transporting the body. In addition, the rule applies to pre-need arrangements. It also applies to a consumer who changes the casket or service selection specified in a pre-need contract.

The FTC has published these guidelines to help funeral providers comply with the Funeral Rule. They explain the requirements of the Rule, and provide sample price lists and a Sample Itemized Statement. The guidelines are not binding on the Commission.

If you offer funeral packages, your prices must include a non-declinable basic services fee. You cannot charge other fees that are not part of the package. These include charges for public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers, obituary notices, and gratuities. You must also disclose the cost of embalming.

People often confuse mortuaries and funeral homes. They are similar in some ways, but they have different business models. Mortuaries are typically larger than funeral homes and provide more services.

They focus on mortuary sciences and preparation of the body for burial or cremation. They also offer grief counseling and other important tasks like death registration and obituary writing.

A morgue or mortuary is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification.

Most adults have seen depictions of morgues in movies and TV, but these are usually not accurate portrayals. Morgues are typically located within or adjacent to hospitals and medical centers, but they can also be found in retirement homes and hospice care facilities.

Morgues are designed to preserve and protect bodies until they can be identified. They are typically refrigerated to slow down decomposition.

The terms morgue and mortuary are often used interchangeably, but context plays a role in which term is appropriate. For example, in a medical context, a morgue is a place where autopsies are performed. In contrast, a funeral home is not considered to be a morgue because it does not perform autopsies.

In an emergency, any refrigerated space spacious enough to accommodate a body can act as a temporary morgue. However, most local governments have special facilities, such as ice rinks, that are designed to serve as emergency morgues in the event of a disaster.

A waiting mortuary is a mortuary building designed specifically for the purpose of confirming that deceased persons are truly deceased.

Before today’s methods of verifying death, people often feared that they might be buried alive. This led to the invention of waiting mortuaries, which were often ornate halls staffed with attendants who watched for signs of life and allowed corpses to decompose partially before burial. These were especially popular in 19th century Germany.

The body begins to decompose around four minutes after the heart stops. This is the first indication that the person is truly dead. Observations of the corpse a few hours later may also be helpful, as stiffening (rigor mortis) indicates that the person has been dead for some time.

In the past, some morgues became macabre spectacles, with crowds lining up to see the unidentified bodies. Even after this era of voyeuristic obsession, many people are still very uncomfortable when asked to identify a loved one’s body. Some flinch, gasp, or pass out. Others simply refuse to look. For these reasons, morgue staff carefully control the conditions in their viewing rooms to minimize shock and distress for visitors.

A funeral home is a mortuary.

A funeral home is a business that provides services for the dead and their families. It is usually a large and profitable industry that employs a wide range of people, including morticians, pathologists, and embalmers. A funeral home may also offer a variety of other services, such as memorialization and burial.

The main difference between a mortuary and a funeral home is that a funeral home has the ability to hold viewings and services while a mortuary cannot. This is because a funeral home has larger areas where services can be held and public viewings can occur.

A funeral home is also more adept at planning a service and providing memorialization products, such as caskets and urns. They may also be able to arrange for a cremation facility if the family wishes. They also help to write and publish obituaries in newspapers. By law, funeral homes must provide a general price list that clearly states their prices for all regularly offered services and merchandise.

An embalming facility is a mortuary.

A mortuary is a place that prepares dead bodies for burial or cremation. It is often located in a hospital or medical facility. Mortuaries may also be privately owned. The mortuary industry provides many jobs. It is a large and profitable business. Mortuaries are sometimes used as training centers for funeral directors and embalmers.

Embalming is a process that involves the use of chemicals. It includes glycerol, which softens tissues and prevents them from drying out; alcohol, to facilitate penetration; 2.5 percent phenol, an antifungal agent; eosin, which improves color; and sodium acetate, an anticoagulant. The process takes several hours to complete.

Unlike a morgue, a mortuary can offer direct services such as a quick viewing for immediate family members and on-site cremation. This can be beneficial to families because it is less expensive than a full-service funeral home. In addition, mortuaries may offer limited onsite memorialization services. These differences make it important for consumers to understand the difference between a mortuary and a morgue.