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Memorial headstones have been, for centuries, the most common way to permanently
memorialize members of cultures all across the globe. And they remain so today. Even
people whose bodies have been cremated (a tradition whose popularity is increasing
dramatically) are typically memorialized with memorial headstones installed in cemeteries,
often in a family plot.

For many years, memorial headstones were large, up-right pieces of sculpted stone that
contained written information about the people whose grave they marked. While these
"up-right" memorial headstones still are used today, they now usually mark groups of
graves (such as entire families). Meanwhile, smaller, individual memorial headstones are
now the most common type.  These are smaller plaque-like pieces made of bronze,
granite, or a combination of the two, are displayed directly on the ground at the head of a
grave. These memorial headstones typically memorialize one individual or a couple.

Memorial headstones today most commonly come in two varieties: bronze and granite. The
American memorial industry specializes in both styles today, and, while, granite
headstones are still most popular, bronze is rapidly gaining in popularity. (And it should be
noted that many bronze memorial headstones include a free bronze vase, if the customer
desires one.) Bronze memorial headstones typically include bronze plates with special
memorial designs and lettering that names the deceased as well as the dates of birth and
death. These plates are then attached to granite bases and then installed in cemeteries as
beautiful memorial headstones.
Memorial headstones, of course, serve to help families cope with their losses. By having
memorial headstones for loved-ones always available to view in specific locations,
families are practicing the sound advice that psychologists typically give to those going
through the grieving process. But, besides their emotional value, memorial headstones
are also important for historians. Memorial headstones assure that lives can be
documented decades, or even centuries, after death. The study construction of
memorial headstones assures that the people being memorialized will be remembered
long after the elements have destroyed paper records or technology has made
electronic records obsolete.

Memorial headstones can be purchased either "pre-need" or "at-need." Pre-need
memorial headstones are bought while a person is still alive. These memorial
headstones have the name (or, in the case of companion memorial headstones, names)
inscribed at the time of purchase, and then the death dates are added later. Many
people choose this option because they want the peace of mind that comes from
choosing the design and style of their own memorial headstone. Memorial headstones
purchased pre-need can also provide a financial benefit in the event prices increase for
memorial headstones during a person\'s lifetime. Despite the advantages of pre-need
buying, many family members buy memorial headstones for their loved-ones "at-need."
The decision of when to buy memorial headstones is deeply personal, and both
methods are popular today.

You may also use slant headstones for cremation burial and memorializing a loved one
who has been cremated, for more information on cremation urns, please refer to
www.eternitycremationurns.com
Memorial Headstones