A few centuries ago, people who wanted to keep the cherished memories of their loved ones alive after their death, erected an elaborate memorial in their memory. While walking in a park, you will often come across huge rocks with a few lines painted on them, or a tree with a well-engraved memorial plaque attached to its trunk. These are methods of renewing the age-old ways of keeping memories of loved ones alive after they are gone. Not only are they unique ideas, but is also a subtle way to share your grief and help others around you. Memorial benches are one such idea you can translate into reality if you want a lasting memory of a loved one in your family.
Memorial benches may sound like an innovative idea at first, but there have been many instances of memorial benches and memorial tree plaques made in the memory of a deceased family member. One such famous example is the memorial tree plaque President Andrew Jackson had made at his ancestral cemetery in Tennessee. This century old plaque still attracts visitors who are left speechless by its beautiful design and intriguing carvings. This idea gradually gained momentum and tree plaques are a common sight in parks and cemeteries where memorial benches and tree plaques make a welcome break from the usual gravestone, which might be hidden from sight. Memorial benches are also welcome in pet cemeteries where people might like to sit and remember the pets that were an integral part of a family. Thus, memorial benches are not merely a memoriam for humans, but all those you loved and cared for, who are no more with you.
Usually, the memorial benches in parks, cemeteries are constructed and dedicated by family members, friends of the dead person. Usually, the benches are simple, bearing the name of the deceased person, or some lines in their memory, and the names of the dedicators. If you are not in favor of a name-card, you can engrave the name on the benches. Memorial benches may also be ornately carved and decorated which make engraved names look more beautiful. Other than the quintessential wooden bench, you can also have concrete memorial benches which may also be in stucco or engraved variations. In all, memorial benches are a beautiful and long-lasting way to preserve old memories, and much-loved people.
The idea of having memorial benches may sound alluring, but the process of building or installing it in a park is difficult and often time consuming. Here are some easy to follow steps to getting a memorial bench:
1. Memorial benches are expensive, the price ranging between $600 and may go up to $1000 depending on the size and other specifications that you might want. If it’s for a family member, you can ask every one to donate some money towards the fund and use the money for the memorial benches. We’re sure no one will be unwilling to spare some money towards their loved ones.
2. The next step is to zero in on a place where you can set up the bench. Memorial benches will be worth the purpose if they are put in a special place. If your loved one liked a particular corner of the local park, a memorial bench in that corner would always be a reminder of your loved one.
3. Third on the list is to seek permission from the local authorities so that you can erect memorial benches at the desired places. Usually, most authorities create no nuisance with memorial benches as they are a beautiful memory of the past. Since memorial benches are beautiful as well as useful in parks, putting them up might not be a big problem.
4. After the basic bench has been put up, you must find a company to do the engraving, or decorating for you. There are many firms who are engaged in engraving names on memorial benches, you could either ask the parks who may have numbers of these firms, or you can even search online. Many parks that have existing memorial benches also have a directory where you can avail details of companies that make and carve on memorial benches.
Choose a company after looking at a few samples of memorial benches they have made, so that your work is a perfect tribute.