Burial Service

Attending to the needs of the bereaved is the most essential part of planning a burial service. While some families choose to conduct their loved one's entire funeral service in a church or at the mortuary; for many, the final goodbyes are not complete without a graveside ceremony. In this case, the funeral procession may choose to leave the church or funeral home and process to the cemetery.

Oftentimes, only the closest friends and family members proceed to the grave site. Always mindful of the family's needs and wishes, the graveside location should be completely arranged in advance of the mourners arrival, including the respectful placement of the casket and appropriate casket covering, be it a blanket of flowers or a pall or flag, and any other floral sprays which have been chosen to be displayed at the grave site.

The tent and seating is set up far in advance, usually during the preparation of the vault. The actual crypt or vault in the ground is traditionally covered so as not to cause further dismay to the family. With this in mind, many burial services do not lower the casket into the ground while mourners watch.

However, in some traditions, internment is necessary and may include family members placing flowers into the grave itself or actually turning a spade of earth onto the casket itself after it is lowered. There are many additional military, religious, and fraternal ceremonies which are conducted at the final place of rest.

For a veteran of the armed services, one of the most well-known is the 21-gun-salute, playing of Taps, and the folding and ceremonial presentation of the flag to the surviving mother or wife.

The Masons conduct an elaborate burial ritual, complete with prayers and pledges as well as ceremonial clothing committing their brother to the Eternal.

Catholics as well have specific prayers and rituals which are conducted in a burial rite. There are also Catholic fraternal organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus, which serve as and honor guard for the funeral and burial service.

With so many options, a funeral service is conducted most properly when the traditions and desires of the deceased and those left behind are honored and respected. Keeping an open mind and a pledge to the work of service will enable anyone to properly plan and conduct a final ceremony which will bear witness to the love and honor that those left behind have for their deceased love one.