When my grandmother passed away, I was astonished to learn that I had been named the executor of her estate. After splitting up her belongings amongst my aunts and uncles, I turned my attention to planning her funeral. I didn't know where to start. Fortunately, I was able to find an excellent funeral home that understood how to help people plan beautiful memorial services. It was amazing to go through the process of planning the music, the speakers, and even the set-up of the room. This blog is all about planning gorgeous memorial services for the people that you love so that you aren't left grappling with difficult decisions.
If your recently deceased family member was in the army for many years, and you would like to hold a memorial service in their honor that will demonstrate the respect that you have for them and describe what type of person they were, consider including the following ideas when planning the event.
Personalized Buttons
Select a photograph of your loved one donning the uniform that they were required to wear as an active military member. Order buttons that can be attached to clothing or fabric that include the photograph, your family member's name, and the dates that they entered and exited the army. As each guest arrives for the memorial service, hand them a button and ask them if they would wear it throughout the service.
While words are being read aloud about the recently departed, each person may be encouraged to look down at the button that they are wearing, which will help them clear remember how your loved one looked while defending the country. Once the service is over, attendees can bring the buttons home and share the keepsakes with future generations.
Flag Ceremony
Bring several United States flags to the memorial service that are small and that have a stick attached to each one. Hand out the flags to everyone who attends the ceremony. Invite some of your loved one's military peers to the ceremony and encourage them to speak about your loved one before a burial flag is presented in the deceased's honor. Instruct everyone to stand up during this special moment.
Once the memorial service is over, you or another family member can keep the large flag that was presented in honor of your loved one. The small flags will remind everyone who attended the service of the deceased and the ceremony that was held in their honor.
Slideshow
Rent a slide projector and have some of your favorite pictures of your family member while they were in the army transferred onto slides. Record some military music or commentary that describes what each slide depicts and play the recording during the slide show. Slowly display each slide so that everyone in the audience can focus on all of them and take in the details that are displayed in each shot. Answer any questions concerning your loved one's military career at the end of the presentation.
Discuss each of these ideas to the funeral director who you hire and have them assist you with incorporating them in the veterans funeral package that you have selected.
Share12 August 2016
