Memorial

Memorial Headstones and Grave Markers

What is a Memorial

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for the memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. Popular forms of memorials include landmark objects or art objects such as sculptures, statues or fountains (and even entire parks).

History of Memorials

Historically, in the early centuries memorials were a common practice, for example in ancient Egypt there are many tombs built to enshrine the kings, queens, and family members of the noble. The tombs were very ornate and paid tribute as a memorial for their greatness. Some historians believe the great pyramids of Giza were built as a tribute to the Pharaohs.

The earliest existence of a memorial in the United States dates back to the times of the Civil War (1861-1865). In the North and South during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries numerous monuments were dedicated in big cities and in small towns. These monuments were designed to keep the memories of martial sacrifice alive, and to give meaning to the great loss that still resonated in our culture. The construction of commemorative statues peaked in 1870-1914 throughout Europe and North America. The construction of all of these memorials attained social and political roles that had not been seen since the days of the Roman Empire. Monuments allowed for “collective remembering” in sites that acted as a place of common memory.

Those being remembered and honored in such memorials were the many soldiers who lost their lives in battle. They were the Heroic figures of combat and became the symbols of rights and liberties. By constructing a monument to these heroes, our nation represented a connection to the importance of the past. It gave the nation a visual memory of what had happened. These memorials are intimately tied to the feeling of nationalism and heroic symbolism; they can also instill a sense of community.

Today memorials are not just reserved for kings, or heroic soldiers, but are a common way to memorialize our loved ones. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or headstone.

The Memorial of Today

The Construction of a permanent memorial has changed significantly over the years. In years past, a permanent memorial was usually a large upright piece of sculpted stone containing the inscription of the persons name, date of birth and death. While these types of memorials are still used today, they now generally used to mark a family of graves, and individual graves are memorialized with a smaller grave marker. Grave markers are constructed from granite or a combination of granite and bronze. These grave marker memorials typically preserve the memory of one person, or a husband and wife, and they work in concert with the larger upright headstone. The use of large headstones and grave markers together create a beautiful memorial for an entire family.

Online Memorial

Online Memorials and tributes are becoming increasingly popular. Online tributes and memorials create a way for family and friends from various countries to interact and share memories and photographs. This is becoming more and more popular as it provides a private space that can be easily reflected upon at any time.

Memorial Gift

When somebody has died, the family may request that a memorial gift (usually money) be given to a designated charity, or that a tree be planted in memory of the person.

Sometimes, when a high school student has died, the memorials are placed in the form of a scholarship, to be awarded to high-achieving students in future years.

The newest form of memorial gift is the giving of a Gift Certificate for the purchase of a headstone or marker. You may purchase a Gift Certificate from Clear Stream Monuments by clicking on the "Gift Certificate" link at the top of the page.

Preplanning a Memorial

Memorials such as grave markers and head stones are often designed and purchased well in advance of a persons death. This allows the person to choose the style of their own headstone, or to design a custom memorial, and too alleviate stress on the family at the time of their death. This is an expression of love to your family, a gift to the living.

Clear Stream Monuments can assist you with preplanning your memorial. We have a full line of memorials to commemorate yourself or a loved one. We have a large selection of headstones and grave markers to choose from, or we can assist you with creating a custom memorial.

All of our memorials come with a warranty that gives you the assurance of quality craftsmanship that will last for many years to come. If you need assistance in creating a memorial please feel free to call us at 888-578-1119 or email us at service@clearstreammonuments.com.

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