How to Write Memorials
A memorial speech is also called a eulogy. The purpose of a memorial is to recognize the meritorious deeds of someone who has died. The memorial speech is usually read at the burial site. Loved ones from the family of the recently deceased such as the father, child, spouse or close friend of the family are usually the ones called upon to deliver these heartfelt speeches. Writing a memorial can often be a difficult experience for many loved ones.
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Instructions
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Decide what impression you want your memorial to make. Memorials can be funny or solemn. They can also be deeply personalized or generalized. Determine how long you would like your eulogy to be as well. You may go over the time you have chosen later, but it helps with organization to predetermine a time frame.
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Choose what memories you would like to share with your audience. What events do you think you would like to share? You want to leave your audience with a warm impression of your loved one, but some memories may be too personal to share.
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Write your memories and ideas into a flowing speech. You can create an introduction, telling your audience what kind of person the deceased was. Follow the introduction with examples of what made your loved one that kind of person. For example, a child might mention that his deceased father was a loving dad and follow up with examples of times when his father supported him. A widow might say her deceased husband was romantic and tell the story of how they first met and fell in love.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your friends and family for their help and opinions. Writing a memorial all by yourself can be a taxing experience, but with the help and support of your loves ones you may find the experience a little easier. Plus, your loved ones may have stories and memories they want to include into the memorial speech as well.
Don't be afraid to have an emotional reaction to reading the memorial. These are memories that you and the deceased cherished together and it only makes sense that you would feel strong emotions while sharing them with others.
Memorials can be humorous. If your deceased loved one had a large funny bone, don't be afraid to mention some funny stories or jokes you may have shared. These stories can bring a smile to the face of your loved ones who are still with you, which is no small thing when confronted with the loss of a loved one.
