Category: News

The lower level curatorial space showcases local war history and pays tribute to the soldiers. It also offers a quiet place for contemplation and exploration.

The memorial park will incorporate a series of segments walls that will raise up to create the Museum program and Contemplative spaces. It will also be a green buffer against the rapidly growing city.

Memorials

From larger-than-life carvings of presidents to open park lands and elaborate memorials, Washington’s Memorial Park is full of history. This historic area is a testament to America’s democracy and military history.

This is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the United States. It is home to several memorials, including the National World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The park also has a number of recreational facilities.

The newest memorial in the Park is the Gold Star Monument that was built in conjunction with the Woody Williams Foundation and Delaware’s Gold Star families. It is the only memorial in the Park that features a void design symbolic of those missing loved ones who have died for their country. It is the first Memorial in the Park to incorporate a second commemorative marker directly behind it. This memorial is located in the park’s northwest corner adjacent to the baseball field.

Monuments

In addition to traditional gravestones lying flat on landscaped plots, many memorial parks have monuments erected as a reminder of the brave men and women who have served their country. They also feature fun activities that are less about mourning and more about life celebration. This helps sustain the feeling of connectedness with the departed and their loved ones.

One such monument is a 3″ anti-aircraft gun that was used on a US Navy/Merchant Marine vessel. It is located near the entrance to the park. Another is the Rescue Squad Monument which is a three-tablet granite monument. The names of Rescue Squad members killed in the line of duty are inscribed on it.

The latest addition to the park is the Committed Forces Walk which features 1/2 inch PGHD laser-etched black granite plaques on 26-inch x 14-inch slant pedestals built by Picture This On Granite. This monument honors those who died in the line of duty as police officers and members of the Rescue Squad.

Arches

The geologic formations that comprise Arches National Park are among the world’s most spectacular. Over 2,000 natural rock arches are found within the Park’s boundaries. These structures are formed when wind and water erode the fins of the Entrada Sandstone, creating bridge-like structures over the less permeable Carmel layers above.

A variety of hikes is available for visitors to experience the park’s sandstone arches. Some are short hikes that take only a couple hours, while others are more difficult half-day hikes for the intermediate and advanced hikers.

During the Laramide Orogeny, tectonic forces warped rocks throughout the area of Utah where Arches National Park is located. The movement distorted the geologic column forming anticlines and synclines where the older rock beds were folded beneath the younger ones.

Statuary

When joggers in Memorial Park take to the greenery, they aren’t just taking their daily workout. They’re traversing hallowed ground, says a new book. “Born of war, Memorial Park is Houston’s green heart.”

The first statue in the Park was dedicated to the veterans who served in the Armed Forces with a plaque that reads, “This statue is dedicated by the workers of the DRBA Veterans Committee to all veterans whose loyalty and service during times of peace and war define the character of this great nation.”

A stone figure portraying Sojourner Truth sits on a granite pedestal. The sculpture was created by Thomas Jay Warren, who studied sculpting as a Presidential Scholar at Mississippi College. Warren was also responsible for the Monument to the Confederate Dead and the Northampton Association of Education and Industry memorial in the town of Northampton, Massachusetts. In the background are eight granite pylons with the names of the American servicemen lost in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.

The Funeral Bureau regulates the business of funeral directing and embalming by licensing practitioners, inspecting funeral homes, investigating consumer complaints, and providing education. It also promotes advance planning and advocates for consumer rights.

Some funeral providers enter into arrangements with government agencies to provide package funerals for indigent persons or others eligible for a government benefit. When qualifying persons inquire about these arrangements, the provider must offer them a GPL with itemized prices and disclosures.

They offer a variety of services

A funeral home is a licensed establishment that provides for the burial or cremation of bodies. It is a complex business that requires many skills and responsibilities. Its employees must meet high standards and be aware of state regulations. Funeral homes also offer preplanning services, which allow families to make arrangements for their loved ones before they die. This service helps families take some of the burden off their relatives and allows them to save money.

Some funeral providers enter into agreements with government agencies or persons to provide for arrangements for indigent people or those who are eligible to receive a government benefit. When this occurs, the provider must follow Rule requirements, including providing a General Price List, Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and an itemized Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected.

Some funeral homes may present their outer burial container options in a book that contains photographs of the containers available for sale. This method may be used as an alternative to the required GPL, but it is still required to provide a GPL to all consumers at their arrangement conference.

They are regulated

People are at their most vulnerable after the death of a loved one, and funeral arrangements can add to their anxiety. This insight was the basis for the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule, which protects consumers from being taken advantage of during moments of grief. The Rule requires that funeral homes provide a written General Price List (GPL) and Casket Price List to consumers, so they can make informed decisions.

The GPL must include identifying information and prices for all goods and services offered by the funeral provider. It must also contain at least the retail prices of all outer burial container offerings that do not require special ordering and enough information to identify each container. The funeral provider may use other formats to present the GPL, but they must offer it upon request and free of charge.

The Rule also requires that you give out a GPL for at-need situations. This requirement applies even if you are discussing prices or making arrangements in the family’s home or while removing a body from a hospital or nursing home.

They offer competitive prices

Funeral planning can be a stressful process, and consumers are at their most vulnerable when making arrangements. It is important for consumers to compare prices from several providers in order to get the best value for their money. This was the insight behind the Funeral Rule, first implemented in 1984.

Some funeral providers enter into agreements with government agencies to provide special arrangements for indigent persons or others entitled to a government benefit. When these arrangements are made, you must still comply with the Rule’s price disclosure requirements, including giving a general price list to any person who inquires. You may include these items in your regular offerings or prepare separate price lists.

You are not required to give a GPL to consumers who call or visit after hours to make at-need arrangements, but you must give them information if they request it. This includes a caller who has previously signed a pre-need contract but wants to change the casket or add visitation hours.

They offer cremation

The death of a loved one is undoubtedly the most traumatic experience any of us will ever have to face. In the aftermath, consumers are confronted with dozens of decisions to be made quickly and often under great emotional duress. These include where to hold a service, what kind of casket to buy, and whether the body should be buried or cremated.

The TFSC regulates the funeral industry through impartial enforcement, licensing, and education of professionals. It also promotes advance planning for funeral services and a consumer’s right to a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral.

When you visit a licensed funeral establishment, they are required by law to give you a General Price List and an itemized Statement of Goods and Services Selected before you sign any contracts. In addition, if state or local laws require the purchase of a casket, they must tell you about this requirement. In addition, funeral homes that offer direct cremation must make an alternative container available for use in lieu of a casket.

A mortuary is a place where the dead are stored before burial or cremation. It’s a multipurpose facility that can also provide embalming and direct funeral services.

When a body is transferred to the mortuary, personnel make a note of any valuables on the person and record their identity. This information is kept on file for future reference.

Embalming

For many families, embalming is an important choice to help them say goodbye to their loved one and to provide the opportunity for a visitation period. The embalming process helps to disinfect the remains and slows down the organic decomposition of the body which can occur after death.

In addition to embalming, funeral directors may also use a variety of cosmetic procedures to restore the appearance of your loved one. This can include a facial makeover to set the features, to remove bruises and discolorations that have occurred after death, to touch up wounds, and more.

Before embalming, the body is undressed and washed in a germicidal solution. Then, the body is injected with an anatomical embalming fluid. This fluid enters the arteries and saturates all of the tissues. It also contains pigments that return the natural color of your loved ones skin and hair and reduces the odors associated with a dead body. The final result is a corpse that looks as if it were sleeping peacefully.

Preparation for Burial or Cremation

A mortuary may be a standalone facility, but more often, it will work with funeral homes to provide services. These establishments typically have a chapel onsite where families can hold services for their loved ones, and they’ll also likely offer caskets, urns, and other memorial products to help honor your loved one.

During the embalming process, your loved one’s body will be cleaned, any fluids will be removed, and the body will be preserved using chemicals, most commonly a formaldehyde solution. The mortician will then dress the body and prepare it for viewing if the family chooses to have one.

If your loved one will be cremated, the mortuary will prepare their remains by removing any jewelry or medical devices to prevent them from melting or exploding during the cremation process. Then, the mortician will place them into a simple urn before transferring them to the crematory. Once the cremation is complete, they’ll return the urn to your family.

Preparing the Body for Viewing

Whether you’re planning a funeral or cremation, a Bronx mortuary can help with the process. A mortuary can prepare the body of your loved one for a viewing, on-site burial or cremation. They can also host a meaningful funeral service for you and your family.

They may also dress your loved one, which can enhance their appearance for a viewing. Then, they’ll put them into the casket you chose, so that you can hold a traditional viewing before your memorial services or cremation. They can also refrigerate your loved one for a short period of time, if you wish to wait before a viewing or a funeral service.

Funeral Services

A funeral service is a ceremony led by clergy and attended by family members, friends, and community members who wish to pay their respects to a deceased person. The type of service is influenced by culture, tradition, religion, and the wishes of the next of kin. Religious services often involve the participation of clergy and follow a prescribed order of service, such as those led by a Catholic priest or a Jewish rabbi.

Some mortuaries offer a full range of funeral services, while others focus more on the moruary science and prepare bodies for burial or cremation without offering memorialization services. In some cases, a standalone mortuary may not even have a funeral director but rather staff who specialize in preparing the body.

During the arrangement conference, you and the funeral director will choose which services and merchandise you would like to purchase. You will be given a General Price List and an Itemized Statement, which includes contractual language that legally obligates you to pay for the services and merchandise selected.

A graveyard is a place where people are buried after they die. It is usually affiliated with a church and located on the church grounds. Due to space limitations, they are generally smaller than cemeteries and tend to be choosier about who gets buried there.

The most recent trend in burial is green cemeteries, also known as natural or ecological cemeteries. They allow families to bury loved ones in the ground without a tombstone and allow Mother Nature to take over.

They are a place where people are buried

Graveyards are a place where people are buried after their death. They are usually associated with a church and located on the church grounds. They have limited space, so they are often choosier about who can be buried in them. For example, they may only allow members of their particular religion to be buried in them.

For some cultures, burial is an important ritual that can help guide the souls of the dead to heaven or hell. Some cultures bury their dead on ceremonial grounds, while others bury them in family cemeteries or community graveyards. This allows the living to remember their loved ones and pay tribute to them.

It is also common for some families to purchase multiple plots in a cemetery so that they can be near each other when their time comes. This can save the family a great deal of money in the long run. However, it is important to understand the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery before making your final arrangements.

They are a place of worship

The graveyard is a place where we come to worship the souls of the dead, and it is often associated with our beliefs about life after death. It is also a place of peace and serenity for people who have lost loved ones.

In the past, people were buried close to their places of worship. The rich and noble were buried in crypts inside the church, while other congregants were buried in the adjoining graveyard. As the population grew, many of these graveyards became full, and new burial grounds were needed. This is when the term cemetery came into use.

Unlike churchyards, which have stringent rules on who can be interred in their grounds, cemetery grounds are secular and allow people of all faiths to be buried there. The word “cemetery” derives from the Greek koimeterion, meaning dormitory or sleeping place. This is a more modern word than graveyard, which dates back to the 1600s.

They are a place of rest

A graveyard is a place of rest, and many people visit their loved ones at these sites to pay their respects. These spaces have a serene atmosphere that is often peaceful and quiet. They are also beautiful, with winding paths and curated gardens. Some graveyards have strict rules about headstones, and they should be simple, not overly adorned or expensive. Churches also discourage intricate headstone inscriptions that do not live up to Christian values and traditions.

In the past, people were buried on land adjacent to a church, the area known as a churchyard. When these burial grounds became full, new places for burying people emerged, called cemeteries. The word cemetery derives from the Latin coemeterium, which is derived from the Greek koimeterion, meaning “dormitory or resting place.” When planning your end-of-life arrangements, it is important to know the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery. This can help you ensure that your next of kin understands the difference and your wishes are honored.

They are a place of beauty

In addition to being a place of beauty, graveyards are also sacred spaces for honoring the dead. They can inspire reflection on mortality and help you appreciate the preciousness of life. For many, religion and spirituality play a crucial role in their experience of the cemetery, but even for those without religious beliefs, the atmosphere of quiet respect found in a graveyard can provide comfort and solace.

For example, the Bonaventure cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its beautiful, natural surroundings. Snarled oak trees and bright green moss cover the tombstones, which make them look like they are part of the forest. This unique look has made the cemetery a tourist attraction.

The word “graveyard” is often used to refer to all burial grounds, including those near churches and other religious buildings. However, the terms “cemetery” and “burial ground” are more common today. The difference between the two is that a cemetery is usually maintained, while a churchyard is not.

Cemeteries can be a very unique landscape design opportunity. They have the potential to be a beautiful and peaceful place where people can reflect and find peace.

However, Cemetery Design needs to be sensitive to the surrounding environment and be thoughtful about how the Cemetery can differentiate itself from other typical places. This requires a good master plan and proper site development.

Signage

Signage is an important component of cemetery design. It can help guide visitors and prevent them from getting lost. It should be clear and easy to read from a distance. It should also use materials that can withstand weather conditions.

For example, directional road signs at the Rohatyn Jewish Cemeteries in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast follow the Ukrainian national standards for size, corner radius, arrow form, and typeface. They feature eye-catching interwar photographs of Rohatyn’s Jewish communities, along with a simple map and key labeling the variety of Jewish physical heritage sites throughout the city.

The signs also include a description of the types of memorials, monuments and headstones allowed at the site. Restrictions may be cemetery wide or apply to specific burial plots. In addition, they should identify the types of urns and caskets that can be used for burial. Some of these include biodegradable urns and caskets that break down in the ground, releasing nutrients into the soil to create new life.

Grading

Cemeteries must be sensitive to the natural surroundings and the cyclic daily weather patterns. They also need to consider a variety of landscape materials and textures in order to blend with the environment.

A well-designed grading system is crucial to a Cemetery’s operation. This helps to prevent flooding and ensures that water is properly directed away from the burial grounds and buildings.

Hard-to-develop areas require responsive cemetery designs that are expressive of the unique setting. It takes more thought and effort to create a functional design for these types of locations but it can be done well.

It is important for both new and existing cemeteries to revisit their master plans on a regular basis, perhaps every five years. This process allows the owner to make adjustments based on market changes and business/financial trends as well as evaluate options for future growth and expansion. The plan can also provide a framework to help reduce project costs.

Drainage

A well conceived drainage system is crucial for any Cemetery. The design should direct water away from gravesites and buildings to avoid any potential flooding. Proper grading is also important, as it allows for proper flow of stormwater and reduces the amount of runoff that can occur on the property.

Good Cemetery Master Planning takes into account both the short and long term needs of a Cemetery. It includes developing a program statement that encompasses burial types and quantities, mausoleums, cremation needs, chapels, office buildings, parking, vehicular and pedestrian circulation.

Whether a Cemetery is located in an urban or rural setting, it can be difficult to maintain the existing landscape. The LA Group can assist in finding ways to improve the ambiance and visual appeal of the property. This can be achieved through signage, plantings, special water features and memorial furniture designs that complement the existing setting. This can help increase marketability and profitability. The LA Group can also provide guidance with grant funding opportunities and volunteer development.

Planting

A cemetery’s planting is a vital part of the overall design. It adds texture, beauty and helps with ground stabilization and erosion control. It should be carefully researched and planned to meet specific climate, soil conditions and flow requirements. This will result in cleaner mowing lines, reduced maintenance and higher aesthetics. It is also important to consider the cemetery’s visitor demographic when planning for planting. For example, a cemetary may not want to plant trees with falling nuts, seeds or fruit near graves.

A well-designed master plan will improve land utilization, increase aesthetics and help maximize marketability. It will also ensure that long and short term goals are met. A cemetery’s master plan should be reviewed on a regular basis. Perhaps every 5 years at a minimum. This can be accomplished through a process that best fits the board’s available time and budget. This could include a series of workshops or a detailed analysis.

Cemeteries serve many functions, including honoring the dead, providing a place of memorial, and serving as a comforting space for mourners. They also provide historical information about communities.

When tracing your ancestors in cemetery records, pay attention to spelling variations and additional writing on the gravestone. This can reveal important family details.

Modern day cemeteries are usually expansive landscapes

Cemeteries are a unique landscape where people come to say their final goodbye. They are also an important part of a city’s identity. The city must make sure to protect this delicate space and provide it with proper care. To do so, it should be able to provide a cohesive plan and optimize land utilization.

An effective drainage system is essential to any cemetery. It must be able to prevent water leakages and ensure that the soil is properly saturated. Additionally, it must be able to provide an environmentally sustainable solution that does not interfere with the burial process.

One interviewee emphasized that Copenhagen’s strategy promotes zoning, which clearly differentiates areas for burial and ash interment from those that are more park-like. This helps visitors understand that they are entering a cemetery and not a public park. This separation is important for preserving the site’s character and maintaining a sense of respect for sorrow. It also helps to prevent the deterioration of the landscape.

They are a place of memorial

Cemeteries provide a serene and respectful space for honoring the departed. The atmosphere of tranquility allows for introspection and processing grief. It also reminds people of their own mortality and can prompt a shift in perspective on the preciousness of life. In addition to offering a place for memorialization, cemeteries also act as an important source of genealogy and social history.

There are many different types of cemeteries, each with a unique ownership structure and financial endowment plan. These factors determine the mix of burial options and memorialization services available. Usually, a cemetery will maintain a burial register that contains at least the name of the person buried and date of death.

Burial in a cemetery gives loved ones and survivors the opportunity to visit their grave, a place that will be there for them forever. Often, the headstone will display special messaging to pay tribute to the deceased and to share memories with others. Some people even bury photographs, letters and other heirlooms.

They are a place of respect

Cemeteries are a unique place that requires respect and privacy. Visitors should refrain from loud laughter or talking, and respect other mourners’ moments of reflection. It is also important to stay within the cemetery’s posted hours.

While some people may use the terms “graveyard” and “cemetery” interchangeably, they have different meanings. Graveyards are usually associated with church grounds, while cemeteries are independent sites that are often located outside of town or city centers. They are usually larger than church graveyards and have more modern family plots.

It is also important to observe the cemetery’s rules regarding floral arrangements. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and keep the grounds clean. It is also important to dispose of all waste properly. If you see trash lying around, please pick it up. This shows respect for your departed loved ones and the caretakers of the cemetery. It will also ensure that you have a peaceful experience while visiting.

They are a place of recreation

There are a number of recreational functions that cemeteries can serve. Some of them include historical tours, bird-watching, and community clean-up days. These activities offer an opportunity for social interaction and learning, and they also help in the healing process of grief.

The cemetery is a space where one can reflect on loved ones and celebrate their life. The act of visiting a grave and leaving flowers is a symbolic way to honor the deceased. Besides being a place of recreation, it is also a space for prayer and meditation.

While Oslo’s and Copenhagen’s strategies differ in their approach, both recognize the importance of balancing memorial function with development as habitats. For example, Copenhagen’s strategy promotes zoning that distinguishes areas for burial and ash interment from those for recreational use. It also seeks to maintain the cemetery’s character, so people will always know that they are in a cemetery and not a park. This will allow them to experience a sense of liminality, which is the key to understanding the cemetery’s meaning and significance in society.

Known as a recreational outdoor gem, Memorial Park also serves as a place to remember those who have served their country. It also maintains a habitat for animals.

An important chapter in Camp Logan’s, Memorial Park’s and Houston’s history is now moving into the light. Learn about it here.

Peaceful Atmosphere

As the participant approaches the entrance of the memorial park, he notices that his mood and feelings have shifted from the ordinary to the sacred. This sense of transition is augmented by the presence of a river, which the SA associates with a boundary zone that separates the area inside the HPMP from the mundane everyday life of the city outside it.

The transition also highlights the importance of the dichotomies of war/peace, death/life, and old/new. These resurface throughout the interview and are associated with different aspects of the memorial’s design and functioning.

As the SA continues his journey through the park, he is absorbed by its calming atmosphere and serene landscapes. This is especially evident when he arrives in front of the A-Dome, which the SA associates with the idea of sacredness and stands out more from its surroundings because of this. Unlike traditional cemeteries, memorial parks use dignified sculptured bronze markers lying flat on a garden-style plot to memorialize a grave.

Dignified Sculptures

The statue of Dignity is a reminder that people matter. Located right off the interstate near Chamberlain, the 50-ft-tall stainless steel sculpture is one of South Dakota’s most popular attractions. Lamphere created the piece to honor his Native American roots and show what he could do with stainless steel.

Sculptors have long memorialized their subjects in different ways. Early memorials tended to idealize their subjects by placing them on pedestals. However, the sculpture of Eleanor Roosevelt humanizes her subject. The statue shows her in everyday clothing, and she stands on the ground rather than a pedestal.

Similarly, the bronze statue of Isom Clemon depicts him in his labor union role. He’s surrounded by five smaller statues that represent the principles of his labor movement work.

A Countryside Treasure

Memorial Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Village. It is a place where residents can honor their loved ones while enjoying the natural beauty of the setting. It is also a place of peace for those who want to meditate and reflect on the lives of their friends and family members.

Unlike traditional cemeteries, which are filled with competing headstones, memorial parks feature large sections of pastoral and uniform lawn areas for flat bronze or stone markers that do not stand up above the ground. Instead, central water features or statuary may be used to delineate the sections of a memorial park.

A hidden treasure nestled within the heart of a city, Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park offers extraordinary rural beauty in a serene setting. Thousands of people visit this final resting place to run, walk or simply enjoy its peaceful surroundings. Located on Marcellus Road, this picturesque park is the most popular place in the Village to honor loved ones who have passed away.

A Final Resting Place

Whether your loved one was buried or cremated, there is an option for you to create a final resting place that offers dignity and honor. The choice you make now can help your family cope with grief, connect to the past and build a future for generations to come.

The primary design of a memorial park includes large sections of pastoral, uniform lawn areas with flat bronze or granite monuments that do not stand above the ground. The monuments are designed to be dignified and share the life of your loved one with visitors.

This type of cemetery is sometimes referred to as an eco-cemetery because of its green approach to burial. Some families prefer natural burial grounds that return the earth to nature more quickly. Natural burial sites typically do not have conventional headstones, but instead include a bush, rock or tree to mark the location of a grave site. Many family members visit their loved ones’ graves on meaningful dates like birthdays or anniversaries.

The funeral bureau regulates all funeral homes, directors and embalmers. It investigates consumer complaints and provides information to the public about the industry.

Whether you make arrangements for a home funeral in advance or leave money for survivors to pay for your final wishes, you can save money by comparing prices and services. Contact your local or state funeral board for details.

Services

In addition to funeral arrangements, a funeral bureau may provide other services related to the disposal of a dead body, such as arranging for a grave or crematory or providing transportation to the cemetery or crematorium. In these cases, the funeral establishment must comply with applicable laws.

Some funeral providers enter into agreements with religious groups or burial societies to arrange funerals for members at special prices. When a representative of these organizations inquires about funeral arrangements, you must make your price lists available to them.

If you charge a non-declinable fee for basic services of the funeral director and staff, it must be listed separately on your General Price List together with the required disclosures. This fee must include all charges for overhead that are not allocated to the other goods and services you sell. You cannot include a separate charge for a casket handling fee, for example, as this falls outside of the three categories allowed under the Rule.

Licensing

Depending on where you live, your funeral home may be licensed by your state’s Funeral Board. Licensing requirements can vary widely between states, but most require you to pass a state law exam and national funeral service standards exam. Some boards also require you to complete continuing education courses to keep your license active.

Unless you offer only package funerals, you must provide a General Price List (GPL) to any consumer who asks in person about funeral goods and services or prices. This rule applies even if you discuss prices with consumers over the phone or in writing. It also applies if you are removing a body from the hospital or a private residence, or while providing transportation to the cemetery.

The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses embalmers, funeral directors, funeral establishments, incinerated remains disposers and almost 200 private cemeteries in the state. It also investigates complaints against these businesses and can take disciplinary action when necessary.

Insurance

Many families come into a funeral home with little or no money to cover final expenses. An effective insurance program increases at-need calls, protects the funeral home’s market territory, solves account receivable problems and provides commission income.

Funeral insurance is very similar to other types of life insurance. A monthly premium is paid, which goes towards a lump sum upon death that can be used for whatever the beneficiary desires. Typically, this figure is not restricted to just funeral costs and can also be used for debts, fees incurred with the management of an estate or other costs related to death.

Burial insurance policies are available through independent or captive life insurance agents, as well as some funeral service providers. Some providers even offer pre-need and prepaid funeral plans to help consumers plan ahead. There are also several affordable burial insurance options for individuals with limited funds or a poor health history, including Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue policies.

Final Arrangements

When a loved one dies, survivors must quickly make many decisions under great emotional duress. These include the choice of a funeral home, whether to bury or cremate, and final arrangements. The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (Bureau) promotes consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education, investigation, consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing funeral homes and cemeteries.

Some funeral providers enter into agreements with religious or burial societies to arrange funerals for society members at special prices. If you offer these arrangements, you must follow the Rule’s requirements when an individual from the society inquires about goods and services or alters a pre-need contract. You must give the survivor a General Price List, Casket Price List and an itemized Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected. You may add these items to your regular price lists or prepare separate price lists for these situations. You must also comply with the other Rule provisions.

A mortuary is a place where autopsies are performed. It may be attached to a funeral home or a Department or Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Generally speaking, mortuaries are less-comfortable, bare-bones operations than full-service funeral homes. Some offer a curated selection of casket choices, lawn markers and upright monuments. Others provide assistance with online and newspaper obituaries.

Preparation of the Body

In our LinkedIn poll, 68% of respondents agreed that a mortuary is a place that stores and prepares bodies for cremation or burial. However, most standalone morgues do not have funeral directors on staff. Funeral homes, on the other hand, offer a full range of services in relation to memorialization and funerals.

This includes the preparation of the body by embalming, which is done by draining blood and injecting the corpse with a solution that slows down the decomposition process. They then wash the body and dress it in clothing that the family selects. They may also carry out cosmetic embalming to improve the deceased’s appearance.

A mortuary is usually refrigerated to prevent biological decay, and the bodies stored here are often awaiting identification, autopsy, respectful burial or cremation. A mortuary can be found in hospitals and some other public health facilities. The government has regulations for who can store and handle bodies.

Embalming

The embalming process is a series of steps in which a mixture of preservatives, sanitizers and disinfectants are used to delay decomposition. This allows relatives to spend more time in the presence of their loved ones and gives mourners time to say goodbye.

Embalming is a popular choice for funerals as it can be an important step in the grieving process. However, it is not a requirement and can be avoided. In some cases, such as when a family chooses a natural or eco-friendly burial, it is not possible to embalm.

Before beginning the embalming process, the embalmer will verify that they have the correct body and review the medical certificate of death. Then they will place the body on the mortuary table in the supine anatomical position. After this the body will be washed. A tube is then inserted into the carotid artery and another into the jugular vein. The fluid is then pumped through the tubes and into the bloodstream, which circulates around the body.

Identification

Identifying the dead is a very sensitive task, and is often done in a private room. In films and on TV, the person identifying a body has to gasp as the sheet or bag is opened, but in real life, identification is much more discreet and consists of comparing photographs. Circumstantial evidence such as scars, birthmarks, and distinctive marks on clothing may also help to determine a person’s identity.

In mass fatality incidents such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster, identification can be more difficult. In these cases, forensic facial reconstruction is used to attempt to reconstruct what the person looked like. This is a very delicate process that requires great skill and training.

Many families cannot travel to the mortuary to see their loved one, which can add to the stress of identification. In these circumstances, funeral homes can offer easyID to help ease this process. Using photographs to verify identity can save families time and money and allows the funeral home to complete the process in a comfortable location for the family.

Disposition

Mortuary staff use a variety of tools for preparation of the body including cutting instruments. Sharps (scalpels, scissors and lancets) pose a significant hazard and should be placed in a proper disposal container. Usually, medical waste contractors can assist with this.

Depending on the culture, the final disposition process can include a burial or cremation. Some cultures bury their deceased in tombs either individually or as part of large tracts of land that house graveyards. Other cultures may store their dead in above-ground tombs such as mausoleums. In the event of a natural disaster or war, bodies are sometimes stored in mass graves or plague pits.

A mortuary’s responsibilities also involve facilitating families who wish to spend time with their deceased relative in a chapel or relatives room before removing them from the facility. This is a sensitive and important task for staff to perform. A good mortuary management team will ensure that family members are given the space and privacy they need to say their last farewells.

A graveyard is a place where people are buried. It can also be called a cemetery or burial ground. Historically, church graveyards were used to bury the dead. When they began to fill up, independent sites called cemeteries were created.

A cemetery is generally not associated with a specific religion, so both followers and non-followers can be interred there.

Ground cover plants

Ground cover plants can provide a welcome burst of color and are easy to care for. Many are drought-tolerant, like the hardy ice plant (Sempervivum), and others feature delicate flowers, like the minty Mentha requienii. The shade-loving Viola sororia has unique freckled purple flowers in spring and is a fast grower.

In the graveyard, these plants can also serve as a living memorial to loved ones, and they can be used to honor ancestors. Planting them is a wonderful way to remember those who have passed on, and it can be a consoling and meditative experience for the living.

Choose low-growing varieties that fill in quickly and choke out weeds without being invasive. Shown here, a mix of purple-leaved ajuga, fine-textured thyme, and mounding Japanese forest grass hugs a bluestone walk. These plants are low-maintenance and offer a pleasing, colorful backdrop to the gravestones. In addition, these plants help attract insects that pollinate nearby crops.

Plants good for planting on a grave

There are many types of flowers that can be planted on a grave. Some have decorative blooms, while others are unpretentious and do not require special care. For example, geraniums can be used as an attractive ground cover and will look good in most climates. However, they should be kept trimmed to prevent overgrowth that can obscure the headstone.

Another good choice is chrysanthemums. These are easy to maintain and will look great all season long. They also reseed themselves for continuous flowering. Other plants that are suitable for grave sites include calendula, echinacea and rudbeckia. However, it is best to avoid planting large-spreading plants, as they may interfere with mowing.

It is important to find out from the cemetery caretaker what the soil type is and how much sunlight it gets, as this will influence the selection of plants. Some plants will thrive in shady areas and do not need watering. Helleborus, also known as Christmas roses, are another option because they can withstand frost and lack of sunlight.

Flowers good for planting on a grave

Planting flowers on a grave is a beautiful way to honor a loved one. Many people choose to plant flowers that remind them of their loved one, such as chrysanthemums, geraniums, and pink daisies. These plants are also easy to care for and bloom all summer. They are also good for ground cover because they grow well in the shade.

You should always check with the person who maintains a grave site to ensure that it is okay to add flowers. This will prevent invasiveness and ensure that the flowers are safe from being mowed. If you are allowed to plant on the grave, consider adding spring bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils. These bulbs will reseed and come back year after year.

You can also plant rose bushes on the grave. However, this may require frequent pruning. If you want to avoid this, opt for miniature rose bushes or rose trees. These are easier for maintenance crews to work around.

Long-lasting plants for graves

Many people like to plant flowers on their loved ones’ graves. Depending on the type of flower, they can last from a few days to a week. However, you must check the rules and regulations of the cemetery or church as some may require regular supplemental watering or a particular care routine.

The re-use of grave sites purchased in advance can be more complicated as the holders of burial rights may have died and contacting them decades later is difficult (although public notice is often sufficient to inform families of any re-use). This can cause distress and a refusal by some families to allow their loved ones’ graves to be re-used.

For shady plots, consider planting ground cover plants such as ferns. Ferns such as Polypodium, Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Gracilis’ or hart’s tongue fern can help provide a tranquil atmosphere. For a colorful summer display, try the low-maintenance annual portulaca. It grows well in sunny or shady areas and produces brightly-colored flowers until frost.