Author: admin

Online memorials have become increasingly popular over the last decade – millions of people have created one for their departed loved one as a way to recognise and remember them.

What is an online memorial?

An online memorial is a website that has been created for a deceased person. It provides a central location for family and friends to visit, share stories, fond memories, photos, as well as comfort one another and grieve.

The memorial can remember online for life or be available only for a specific period of time.

Originally, online memorials surfaced on the internet during the late 1990s, predominantly for well-known people in the world. This has now evolved into being available online for anyone who wishes to pay tribute to their departed loved one and ensure they are remembered.

What is included on an online memorial website?

Typically, the content published on an online memorial includes a biography, photos, and any stories posted from family members and friends. This can also be extended to include a timeline of key events in their life, along with any favourite music, and even videos.

Other features include visitors sending condolences and support in the form of candles and acceptance of thoughts. Furthermore, some online memorials also direct visitors to the departed person’s favourite charity or cause, encouraging visitors to make a donation as an alternative to sending funeral flowers.

How can I make an online memorial?

Website memorials

There are two ways in which you can make an online memorial. Either create your own independent site, or by using an established memorial site, which is what many choose to do. Memorial sites are easy to use, create and personalise; it can be done in less than 30 minutes.

Social Media memorials

Alternatively, you remove or turn the deceased person’s Facebook profile into a memorial for free when you show proof of death. Once a Facebook page is memorialised, any sensitive information will be removed, but friends and family can still post memories or condolences.

You can also turn Instagram accounts into memorial pages. On Twitter, you can request to get your departed loved ones profile removed or deactivated.

Contact Cope Memorials

Here at Cope Memorials, we’re always more than happy to help you choose the right type of headstone, all you need to do is get in touch. You can give us a call on 01773 602 187, or fill out our online contact form.

Throughout the United Kingdom, and other countries that make up The Commonwealth, Remembrance Day is celebrated on the 11th November. It is a day that marks the anniversary of the end of fighting in World War I. Here in the UK, we observe it by assembling for two minutes of silence beginning at 11am. Poppies have also become the symbol of the day, and wreaths of them are laid out at war memorials as well as artificial ones worn on clothing.

Here are some other nations across the world that celebrate their version of Remembrance, or Memorial Day.

DODENHERDENKING – THE NETHERLANDS

In The Netherlands, Dodenherdenking (which means ‘remembrance of the dead’) is held every year on the 4th May. This day celebrates all civilians and military members who died in conflicts since World War II. It is observed throughout the country with a two minutes silence at 8pm and even public transportation is halted.

ARMISTICE DAY – BELGIUM

In Belgium, they also celebrate Armistice Day on the 11th November to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. The country uses this day to remember all the fallen soldiers.

VOLKSTRAUERTAG – GERMANY

This day is celebrated on whichever Sunday falls closest to the 16th November and honours the dead. There was a brief period, when Germany was under Nazi rule, that this day was used for propaganda and turned from a day of remembrance to a day of hero worship.

VICTORY DAY – RUSSIA

This is a holiday in Russia that commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. It is observed by military parades, mass processions, gatherings at monuments and religious commemorations.

YOM HAZIKARON – ISRAEL

This is a memorial day observed in Israel for the fallen soldiers of the wars of Israel and for victims of actions of terrorism. The day opens with a one-minute siren the preceding evening at 8pm. During which, everyone commemorates by standing in silence and showing respect. By law all places of entertainment close on the eve of Yom Hazikaron. The names and ranks of every fallen soldier who died for Israel are displayed in a 24-hour broadcast on television.

QINGMING FESTIVAL (清明节) – CHINA

Qingming Festival, known as ‘Tomb-Sweeping Day’ in English, falls on the first day of the fifth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar. This is a day where families visit the tombs of their ancestors. Whilst visiting they make ritual offerings, pray and clean the gravesites. Offerings include eating traditional dishes and the burning of joss sticks and joss paper.

Qingming Festival has been observed in China for over 2,500 years and became a public holiday in mainland China in 2008. This festival is also observed in several other surrounding countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

DÍA DE MUERTOS – MEXICO

Día de Muertos, known as ‘day of the dead’ in English, is celebrated throughout Mexico and involves the gathering of friends and family to pray for and remember friends or family members who have died and help support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Therefore, it is now seen as a day of sadness, but one of celebration instead as their deceased loved ones awaken and celebrate with them. Día de Muertos has been observed in Mexico for as long as 2,500 – 3,000 years.

ANZAC DAY – AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Anzac Day (April 25th) is the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. It begins with commemorative services, followed by marches of former military personnel.

MEMORIAL DAY – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Memorial Day, previously known as ‘Decoration Day’, in America is a federal holiday dedicated to honouring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

Contact Us

Cope Memorials specialise in designing and building memorials for your loved one. We’re always more than happy to help you choose the right type of headstone, all you need to do is get in touch. You can give us a call on 01773 602 187, or fill out our online contact form.