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"The changes wrought by death are in themselves so sharp and final and terrible and melancholy in their consequences that the thing stands alone in man's experience and has no parallel on earth."
Robert Louis Stevenson
"Show me the manner in which a Nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty in high ideals."
Sir William Gladstone
American funeral customs have changed considerably since the founding of our nation and will continue to change. These changes are inevitable since there are no two people who are exactly alike. Therefore, no two funerals should be exactly the same, since the purpose of a funeral is to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of someone who is important to us.
Early colonial Americans simply carried their loved one to the church graveyard, buried their loved one, and returned to the church for a service remembering their loved one. Gradually customs changed, and a "wake" and the funeral service were held in the home of one of the surviving family members. As the undertaker was asked to assume more "funeral duties," the visitation and service moved to the comfort and convenience of the funeral home.
Your funeral director will detail for you the many options which are now available to families. These options will vary from the simple, traditional graveside service to services full of symbolism and celebration. Regardless of the options chosen, the most powerful and meaningful services are those with the most participation from family and friends.
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