Title: 
Common Options for a Grave Headstone

Word Count:
505

Summary:
When an individual has passed on, many are buried underground in cemeteries.  With cemeteries becoming overcrowded, how will an individual recognize the grave site of their friend or loved one?  A marker is generally placed at the top of a burial site.


Keywords:
funeral, grave headstones


Article Body:
When an individual has passed on, many are buried underground in cemeteries.  With cemeteries becoming overcrowded, how will an individual recognize the grave site of their friend or loved one?  A marker is generally placed at the top of a burial site. 

A grave headstone is a stone marker placed at the head of the grave, otherwise known as the top.  When purchasing a grave headstone for a loved one or family member, there are a wide variety of options available.  Grave headstones can come as a simple flat slate or they can be a fairly elaborate marker in the shape of something or just a waist level marker.  The final decision will be depend on the preference of remaining family members and the rules and guidelines of the cemetery.

Many cemetery will perform standard ground maintenance, such as moving the lawn and plowing driveway paths.  Depending on the cemetery, it may be familyís responsibility to properly care for and keep the gravestone site cared for.  It is common for remaining family or friends to place flowers or keepsake memories on a grave headstone.  After time, these item may die or wear away, this may be something the family may have to take care of. 

An additional concern with cemeteries and gravestones is that they are not always guaranteed to be safe.  Unfortunately we live in an age where violence and vandalism is on the rise.  Although a cemetery will do their best of ensure the remains and grave headstone of your loved one is safe, they cannot guarantee it.  Purchasing a durable grave headstone may help to reduce the risk of later having to purchase another one.  

A strong and durable gravestone is not only a good protection against vandalism and destruction, it can also ensure that the head gravestone will still be standing and legible after sometime.  By visiting an older cemetery, it is apparent that many of the gravestones are old and falling apart.  The procedure for making a grave headstone has greatly improved, so it unlikely that todayís gravestones will fair that way.  

When an individual passes on and a grave headstone is purchased, a epitaph is usually carved in.  An epitaph can be a unique quote or a religious quotation to offer respect and reflect on the life of the deceased.  In addition to an epitaph, other standard information and art may be carved in the stone.  It is common for a gravestone to have the name of the individual, their birth date, and they date that they died.  It is not uncommon for gravestones to come engraved with religious or traditional designs.  Some of these markings may include, but are not limited to, a dove, heart, flower, cross, or angel.  

Picking out and purchasing a grave headstone is an important decision.  That stone will forever mark and give remembrance to the family member or friend that you lost.


