On Memorial Day — Why Memorials are Important for Remembrance
3 Minute Read
How to Make Your Own Memorial For Your Loved One
Monday, May 29 is the national holiday – Memorial Day — which honors those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
The word “memorial” means “something established to remind people of a person or event.” It comes in many forms for the deceased -- memorial events, memorial plaques, monuments and special things related to their “memory.” Memorials are important so that we may always “remember” the deceased and their life.
How Does Memorial Day Affect Grievers?
Memories are where our loved ones continue to live after they’ve died. That’s why we hold onto objects that remind us of them and go to places where we feel their presence. In time, those memories that once caused grief can provide a sense of love and remembrance.
When dealing with grief, remembrance is an established principle that helps heal, so we can go on living our lives in meaningful ways.
Suggested Read: Grief Affects Your Relationships
Importance Of Memorials
Memorials are an important part of every culture. They have existed for thousands of years. For example, the Taj Mahal, Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, and the Great Pyramids were created in the loving memory of great leaders and unforgotten heroes.
A memorial made in the honor of some person also serves as an everlasting tribute to a life well lived and life worth remembering.
It is a representation of that person and how they lived; it is a final gift.
Here’s an interesting article from The New York Times about the importance of memorials and rituals.
Another article talks about the importance of memorials after a loved one has died.
How To Make This Memorial Day Special
This Memorial Day, why not devote a few minutes to creating a memorial for your loved one?
Here Are a Few Ideas:
Make a collage of photos of things that interested them or remind you of them
Gather photos together to make a scrapbook. This article can help you do that. Creating Memorial Albums After Loss (scrapbook.com)
Make a music playlist of his/her favorite songs
Make a recipe collection of their favorite recipes that you enjoyed
Write a tale of the traditions that your loved one created for the family
Make a favorite meal or food to honor your person on Memorial Day
Participate in an activity that your loved one was passionate about – walking, running, swimming, sitting poolside, barbecuing
Meditate for a few minutes and call to mind some special thoughts of your loved one
And if you think grief counseling would be beneficial for you and help you with memorializing your loved one email jillgriefcounselor@gmail.com to see if grief counseling could support you well as you grieve.
