Burial or Cremation

Many people today are questioning traditional burial customs and simply ask, what is right. Cremation or burial is right depending on what your personal belief may be, whether driven by spiritual, environmental, financial concerns or fears.

Cremation and burial are both what are called final dispositions.

A traditional burial involves the interment of a casket and vault containing human remains in a cemetery following the ceremony or services as desired by the family.

When cremation is the final disposition of choice, the deceased may also be placed in a casket for a visitation and/or services and then the actual cremation is performed. Following the cremation, the cremated remains are available within two to three days for the family.

Embalming

The Egyptians are most famous for embalming. Their procedures produced mummies of which many remain today. The reason for Egyptian embalming was to satisfy two needs: 1. Religious- their religion taught the spirit would return to the body in 1000 years, and for the spirit to find peace the body must be intact. 2. Sanitary and health care concerns existed much as today.

Embalming in the New World was not popularized until the American Civil War and the years immediately following. The need or desire to transport soldiers back to their families and homes for burial presented a need. Many medical doctors and surgeons because of their knowledge of anatomy and preservatives began to perform embalming to help facilitate this need. The most notable of these was Dr. Thomas Holmes. He is recognized as the “Father of Modern Embalming” and during the four-year course of the war he embalmed approximately 4000 soldiers.

Over the years many funeral customs have changed. There are also governmental guidelines that funeral providers must adhere to. Specific permission for embalming must be obtained either written or oral. The law does not require embalming for burial or cremations under normal circumstances. Most funeral homes will not allow an open casket for public viewing in the funeral home unless the deceased has been embalmed and this is due to health care concerns.

Embalming is normally required if a person is transported to another state or transported by a common carrier such as an airline. Cemeteries may also have embalming requirements regarding mausoleum burials.

Visitation

A visitation provides an opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects. This may involve the presence of the deceased in an open or closed casket or in an urn.

The visitation is often held the evening before the day of the funeral or memorial service. Depending on religious customs, a Prayer Service or Rosary may be held during the visitation.

However, the visitation may be held immediately preceding the funeral or memorial service.

Vital Statistics

The following information will be necessary to complete the death certificate. It is important that accurate information be provided, as the death certificate is a legal document.

Full legal name and address

Date of birth and place of birth (City, County, and State)

Social Security Number

Highest level of education

Occupation and type of business/industry

Marital status- Full name of spouse including maiden name if applicable

Father and mother full names including mother’s maiden name

Military information

Also information that will be needed when completing funeral arrangements

Name and location of Cemetery and location of space

Officiant’s Name and Telephone Number

Pertinent information for Obituary

Picture of deceased for Obituary or funeral home website

Copy of Military Discharge Papers (DD214)