[custom_adv] Mourning ceremonies for Sardar Soleimani were organized on Friday night January 3rd, 2020 in Palestine circle. His body is to be flown in on Sunday, his memorial services will be arranged in three different cities. [custom_adv] How To Plan A Memorial Service: A memorial service is an honoring of a loved one. It is an opportunity to morn and say goodbye with the support of family and friends. A small group from the family, or best friends are usually involved in planning a memorial service. It is best if one person takes the lead in maintaining the contact and setting up conference calls. The spouse or person closest to the deceased should be consulted but not asked to make all the decisions. [custom_adv] The group may begin by making a list of relatives and friends to invite and also create a list of the things that were important to the loved one – a favorite song, hobbies, bible verses, poems, etc. that will help with planning the memorial service. The group should also decide if the memorial will be followed with a reception. The reception typically includes food and drink, and is less formal. [custom_adv] Use this checklist to help the group plan the memorial service. The group may go through each item together or each person may choose particular items they will be responsible for. If you find the list to be daunting, consider hiring a local funeral director or an event planner. They can assist by taking the lead and have choices for locations, flowers, music, speakers, catering, etc. [custom_adv] Traditional locations for a memorial service are churches, homes, funeral homes, and other rented event locations. The number of people attending reflects on the size of venue needed. If the deceased did not have a strong religious affiliation, consider places that reflect their personality or interests. For example, the memorial for a nature lover might be held at a local park or garden. Also, try to choose a location that is convenient for friends and family members. Remember, more than one memorial service can be held. [custom_adv] The date selected may be several weeks after the death. Pick a date that allows friends and family time to make travel plans and adjust their calendars. Perhaps it makes sense to have the service during the summer when all were planning to gather anyway, an early morning ocean sunrise or late evening fireside chat may become the memorial service. Scheduling the event in two or three weeks lets out-of-town guests take advantage of the 14-day advance booking discount on airline tickets. [custom_adv] Consider if there are issues to be discussed or conflicts to be resolved that will help attendees deal with the death. It may be best to address a controversy before the service rather than to ignore it. A therapist or religious leader may assist with this process, and help bring resolution to particular attendees. This therapeutic session should be held separate from the memorial service – if possible, at least one to three days before. [custom_adv] Write the obituary: See our Cremation Resources for tips on writing the obituary. After writing the obituary, check the cost of publication with local newspapers. There are also online obituaries. If the price is too high for your budget, copies of the obituary can be emailed or mailed to friends and family as an alternative. [custom_adv] Notify out-of-town family and friends: All those to be included in the memorial service should be notified-either in writing by email or with a phone call-in time to make travel arrangements. You may want to include a list of hotels close to the memorial location for out-of-town visitors not staying with friends and family. [custom_adv] Consider creating a printed program or memorial cards: A program can include photographs, names of speakers, copies of the readings, favorite memories, and information about the deceased, along with the order of service. If a reception will be held, details should also be included. Copies may be sent to those unable to attend the service. This is a keepsake that family and friends will hold onto and therefore a professional layout and printing is often used. [custom_adv] Decide on speaker(s): One speaker is usually asked to give highlights from the life of the deceased. Others may read a favorite religious passage or prayer, poem, or memory. Decide who will read and what will be read. All attendees may be given an opportunity to share memories, with the service leader serving as a moderator to keep things moving and bring the discussion to a close at an appropriate time.
