Once a loved one passes away and they have been laid to rest with one of the funeral homes in Kilgore, TX, it may feel appropriate to visit them at the burial site. Cemeteries have specific etiquette, so we have created a list of helpful considerations to utilize when visiting.

Use a Quiet Voice

Cemeteries are a location where visitors are typically grieving, so the first tip is to refrain from using a loud voice when you’re in the space. This is a common courtesy to any others visiting because it allows everyone to have space while they are at a loved one’s resting site.

Try to Avoid Walking Across Graves

Another rule of etiquette is to avoid walking over the grave. This action can be seen as disrespectful because it is their final resting place, so you want to do your best to walk around them unless unavoidable.

Keep Pets on a Leash

Pets can be considered family members for some individuals, and if the cemetery allows it, it is encouraged to bring them to the grave site. However, one of the rules of etiquette is to keep them leashed simply out of respect for anyone else who may be visiting. In addition to this, animals are also not going to refrain from walking over the graves or sensually disrupting the burial site.

Follow Any Rules

It’s not uncommon for cemeteries to have their own set of rules to follow, and are few can include:

• Specific opening and closing hours that may be posted
• No firearms except for military events
• Obeying posted speed limit signs
• Avoiding parking or driving on the grass

There may also be limitations on what can be left at the gravesite, and some cemeteries only allow fresh flowers and no other decorations.

Respect the Other Visitors

When you visit, there’s nothing wrong with being friendly and offering a smile to others at the cemetery. However, trying to create small talk with other individuals is not recommended. This is because some people may not emotionally be open to having any conversations and need their personal space, so keep this in mind if you encounter other visitors.

Do Not Touch the Headstones

You also want to avoid touching the headstones because each one is special and needs to be treated with respect. They are sentimental gestures that honor an individual’s life and while viewing and reading them is perfectly acceptable, touching them could be upsetting for the deceased’s family members.

For the Highest Quality Care and Support, We are Here

As you can see, these are just a few rules of etiquette to follow. It can be helpful to check with the property to see if there are any others you need to be aware of to ensure your visit is done respectfully.

If you’re looking for affordable funeral homes in Kilgore, TX, our team is here to help you. We have been in business since 1993, providing exceptional services for all our clients, and we provide personalized assistance and attention that’s unmatched, so contact us today.

Organizing funerals or cremation services in Longview, TX, can be confusing because many details can be included in the events. This can get more complicated, especially if there’s a veteran in your life that has passed away because, in most cases, the individual will need to be honored uniquely. In most cases, veteran funerals have additional services, so we have gathered some traditional choices here.

Have a Tribute

Video tributes have been growing in popularity for years because they offer an opportunity to highlight video footage and photos of the individual’s life. It can be a heartfelt and thoughtful option to add to the services because it gives the opportunity to celebrate the individual uniquely.

Add a Display

Whether the loved one is being buried with taps or military honors, it’s encouraged to create a display with any achievements they accomplished in their career. Items, including uniforms, awards, metals, and photos of their military career, can all be displayed in different fashions within the room to highlight their devotion to the military.

Include an Open Mic Guest Book

What are the best ways to get to know individuals is through the stories of their life. These can include experiences they had with members of their platoon or from friends and family members. In either situation, it can help highlight their service and the effect of the world around them.

Bury Them in Uniform

Soldiers keep their uniforms until they pass away, which is held with the highest honor. Burying the individual in the uniform is seen as a sign of respect; however, it is a personal choice, so take some time to consider it before making a final decision.

Have a Flag Ceremony

The flag ceremony is also another honorable way to commemorate them. The process includes playing taps; then, the flag is folded into the traditional tri-cornered shape and presented to the family.

Celebrate Their Life

An individual’s military career is an incredibly important part of their life, but so is their family and home life. So, it’s recommended to include as many details as possible about their personal life through photos, decorations, or personalization of items like food services.  

If they had any achievements outside of the military from other careers, volunteering, or hobbies and interest, these could also be incorporated into the event because they are just as meaningful and essential as their military career.

When You Need a Trusted Source at Your Side, We are Here

These are just a few recommendations to honor the veteran in your life. Considering who they were and what they enjoyed can also be meaningful resources to add to the event and help create a memorable experience.

Getting the proper support is crucial and if you need streamlined and professional cremation services in Longview, TX, let our team of experts help you through the process. We have helped thousands of families in our communities and are family owned and operated, so contact us today if you have any questions.