Funeral Customs for Law Enforcement Funerals

Monday, January 23rd, 2012 Posted in Articles, Blog | No Condolences »

Law enforcement officers are known for protecting the public interest and keeping your area safe. When a person who sacrifices his or her life for the public every day dies, it is just appropriate to give respect to the fallen law enforcement officer and the family.

Important Things to Remember

  • Whether the law enforcement officer died while on duty, in an accident, or even a retired officer died of old age, proper funeral services must be provided by the concerned department.
  • As soon as the family is informed of the death of the officer, the planning for the funeral is also being done.
  • In most cases, a family member acts as a liaison who serves as the point of contact between the family and the department.
  • In larger departments, they will assign a Survivor Action Officer who will be responsible for the planning of the funeral and coordination between other departments as well.
  • It is the family’s choice to decline any tradition that they would not want to be done but usually, once an officer is signed up for service, he or she is being asked for written requests about their funeral rights in case anything happens.

Expenses, Common Practices, and Traditions

  • Most departments cover most funeral prices and expenses.
  • Other departments also provide financial assistance to the bereaved family.
  • The department usually provides a watch guard who will be responsible for a 24/7 casket watch until after the funeral
  • Casket watch is a part of the full military-style honors that law enforcement departments provide for the funeral.
  • Honor guards are also assigned to serve as color guards and pallbearers.
  • The late officer’s uniform cap is place on top of the casket during the duration of the funeral.
  • Having bagpipers is also a common tradition.
  • A last radio call is also performed during the final rights of the funeral and doves are sometimes release as well.
  • A 21-gun salute is also performed by the firing party.
  • A flag is being placed on top of the casket and a proper flag folding ceremony is performed at the end of the funeral.

Funeral Etiquette

Monday, January 16th, 2012 Posted in Articles, Blog | No Condolences »

In every occasion or gathering, there are certain rules to follow in doing things right. Attending a funeral, wake, or memorial is not an exemption. Funeral etiquette is a very essential thing that somebody has to observe all the time.

  • Be There On Time

Exert all effort to arrive at the funeral home or church early. It would be good if you will be there 20 minutes before the scheduled funeral service. Take your seat silently and humbly wait for the family to arrive. The first several rows are normally assigned for the members of the family and dear friends of the departed, so it is advisable for you to stay around the middle of the sanctuary. If the casket is open, take the opportunity to have a last glance at the deceased.

  • Involve Yourself

Generally, a funeral is being led by ministry member or assigned speaker. You have to participate in the ceremony. Stand during the prayers if there’s a need to. Funeral songs will most likely be rendered; if you are familiar with the lyrics it would be good if you will also sing with the congregation or group. If you think there’s no need for you to participate, just stay quiet and remain solemn.

  • Observe Proper Dress Code

Funeral services are generally ceremonial gatherings. Be aware of the attire and the way how you behave. Do it in a manner that shows your veneration for the departed. Simple get up or business attire will be accepted. Try not to wear party dresses. Suit with a traditional tie is recommended for men.

  • Adhere to the Order of Dismissal

As a general practice, family members have to follow the coffin out of the church during funeral processions. Dismissal is often being done observing a certain order. Leave the place without delay following the suggested sequence. If you plan to witness the burial ceremony, get to your vehicle swiftly and wait for the signal from the traffic administrators. Headlights need to be turned on to denote to other drivers that you are part of the procession.

How to Write an Obituary

Monday, January 9th, 2012 Posted in Articles | No Condolences »

After a loved one passed away, a lot of people wish to compose an expressive obituary to be published in local broadsheets or websites. In its simplest form, an obituary is an announcement of bereavement and funeral schedules. At its finest, an obituary is an evocative brief account of an individual’s existence and legacy.

Here are some steps that you can follow if you want to inscribe a thorough yet concise obituary for your dear one:

  • You may begin by writing essential details that will be contained in the obituary.
  • Make sure that the name of the deceased is spelled correctly. Middle name and titles like MD, III or Jr. should be included. In the case of a married woman, her maiden name should be used.
  • The date and place of birth, date and place of death, and the place where the faithful departed lived should be added in.
  • Living and deceased relatives should be listed. That would include the grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and even step-families. For big families, you may just include the parents of the deceased, brothers and sisters, children and their partners, followed by the complete number of grand or great-grandchildren.
  • Finest obituaries do not just serve as an announcement of death but an account of the deceased’s lifetime. You can enumerate remarkable information, special thoughts, and other fascinating facts about the late person.
  • Funeral service information and the details about memorial, burial, or interment have to be mentioned if applicable. Funeral home address should be included if it is necessary.
  • Itemize the charities or memorial funds that will receive donations as specified by the deceased.
  • If there are some people or organizations that the late person or his family wishes to thank, list them down. Normally, they are those who cared for the deceased during his sufferings or real friends who were there no matter what.

Estate Planning

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 Posted in Blog | No Condolences »

Most people think that estate planning is only for wealthy people who can afford to pay big amount of money to lawyers who will be setting up complicated trusts and highly complex wills, stipulating how their possessions should be dispensed when they pass away.

If you are one of those who have this kind of mentality, think again. Estate planning is not exclusive for the rich or those who are already in their twilight years. As a matter of fact, even if you only got a minimal amount or volume of assets, you would still need estate planning.

Estate plan is significant more so if you have mixed family or sizeable possessions. Worry not because it isn’t full of twists and turns as you imagine. This thing helps you resolve possible problems that may arise in dividing your belongings and lets you choose as to who will serve as custodian or guardian for your kids who are still minors. It is also the best way to lessen taxes and to avoid going through an extensive probate procedure.

Writing a Will is a must when you do planning. A funeral service that you want can be specified here. A casket that you wish to use will also be included. After deducting all the expenses for the funeral, the rest of your possessions will go to the people that you will be designating, including the guardian for your youngsters. Without a written will, the government will decide who would be the legal heirs and the property that will go to each of them.

You can also set up a trust. This allows you to lay down how your heirs can utilize their inheritance and the specific period of the release of money and property that you gave them.

It is advisable that you update your estate planning from time to time especially when there are changes that need to be implemented.

The Importance of Funeral Planning

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 Posted in Blog | No Condolences »

funeral planningMost people do not want to talk about funerals as it connotes death. Passing away of loved one in the family will surely make everyone sad. But whether we like it or not, death is inevitable and it is part of reality in the world. Therefore we need to be prepared for it.

Funeral planning is now a sensible thing to do due to the skyrocketing costs of the basic necessities and services.  The monetary part of preparing your concluding undertakings is the vanguard of facilitating the transition from existence to eternal rest. Dropping by a funeral home ahead of time will surely produce a very good result. Look for a staff who can answer all your inquiries. You can arrange for the viewing hours or negotiate for the extra services and choice of casket. You can probably request for donations instead of flowers.

Funeral services are of different types. When you do planning, this aspect should also be included. For example, if you are working in the army and you wish to have a military service, the funeral director will be getting in touch with the concerned organization for your request to be granted. If your choice is to give your relatives and friends to have a glimpse on your body before cremation, that could also be arranged. You can tell the director where and when you want the event to take place. It is also important that you appoint a representative who will coordinate with the funeral service provider to make sure that everything is in order.

It might not be a welcome thought for everybody but planning for the final departure would lessen the impact of losing somebody in the family knowing that the financial issue and logistic side have been prearranged. Your final wishes will surely be granted as you have personally planned for their implementations.

How Should a Post-Funeral Gathering Go?

Thursday, December 15th, 2011 Posted in Blog | No Condolences »

funeral servicesMany families extend their funeral planning beyond the burial and hold a gathering with close friends and relatives. This will give the latter time to condole with the bereaved and remember their experiences with the deceased. Some will hold this gathering at the funeral home or at any private residence. The family must inform the persons they want to invite the time and location. This can be done with a simple announcement after the burial or after the memorial at the church.

What to Serve

A meal is not mandatory in post-funeral gatherings, but if you want to serve food, funeral homes can help you with this part. Small sandwiches and other finger foods are the usual fare, although there is no rule against a formal sit-down dinner if the family are partial to that.

If you are holding the event, be aware that some guests might bring food items like cakes and cookies so you need to arrange  with the funeral director if you are expecting a larger spread. Those who attend this gathering will not also be expecting a full-course meal so there is no need for you stress out on what food to prepare.

 

Source: Protocolmatters.org

 
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