The 2nd annual "Visit a Cemetery Day" takes place on October 28, 2012 at your local cemetery.
October, it's the time of year that has long been associated with remembering and commemorating the dead; from Hallowe'en to el Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), and the holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. It's a time when the beautiful autumn scenery presents a final burst of color before winter descends.
In celebration of October's rituals of remembrance, mysendoff.com, International Memorialization Supplier Organization (IMSA), Kates-Boylston Publications and American Cemetery Magazine are proud to announce the second annual "Visit a Cemetery Day" on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - a day marked to commemorate the history and traditions of everyone's local community cemetery.
No one knows for sure, but there are hundreds of thousands of cemeteries in North America including those in use, those forgotten and small family cemeteries scattered from sea to sea and each one is filled with hundreds of stories of the lives once lived that now lie beneath the headstones and monuments.
For centuries, cemeteries have been recognized for their architecture, the artistry of headstones, serene park-like setting and atmosphere of tranquility, and now with the second annual "Visit a Cemetery Day" we encourage everyone to come together and show their support for the historical and social importance cemeteries have in their community. Not only are cemeteries the best place to learn about the history of one's community, they are also a place where people can trace their ancestry through the centuries, embrace the celebration of life and learn about the people who have shaped their communities.
On Sunday, October 28, 2012, be sure to visit your local cemetery, whether to bring flowers, wreaths or other tributes to the final resting places of family members and friends; take a quiet walk along the paths, read a book, photograph tombstones and mausoleums, or study the engravings of tombstones - "Visit a Cemetery Day" isn't just a day to commemorate those who came before us, but a day to carry on the ritual of remembrance.
Click on the image to print.
Invite friends or family members and bring your camera so you can share pictures of the most interesting headstones located in your area with mysendoff.com. We will post them on our Facebook Page and in our photo album. We have also created a Cemetery Search activity for children that will help them discover the interesting history that can be found in a cemetery. You can click on the photo to download and print.
Tombstones, some eroded by time, elaborate mausoleums, sculpted angels and allegorical figures can now be found alongside photographic and interactive tombstones which combined can now give people an archival documentary of the evolution of human history, perceptions and emotions throughout the generations.
With cultural perceptions of death changing over the years, many people will find a new invigoration when visiting a cemetery. From the array of architectural monuments, row upon row of varied headstones and a rich history of the past, people can experience the satisfaction in reliving the excitement of long ago and celebrating the life we enjoy today.
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