Title: 
Headstone Monuments:  Paying Tribute to the Deceased

Word Count:
540

Summary:
Monuments are a way to pay tribute to the life of an individual who has passed on.  They are often installed in cemeteries and are similar to traditional headstone markers.  Monuments come in many different styles, shapes, and sizes.  Headstone monuments are smaller, yet still a memorable way to cherish and pay tribute to the gravesite of a loved one.


Keywords:
headstone monument


Article Body:
Monuments are a way to pay tribute to the life of an individual who has passed on.  They are often installed in cemeteries and are similar to traditional headstone markers.  Monuments come in many different styles, shapes, and sizes.  Headstone monuments are smaller, yet still a memorable way to cherish and pay tribute to the gravesite of a loved one.  

Monuments can literally be less than one foot tall or as high as desired.  In the past, monuments were generally larger than what they seem to be today; however, their purpose still remains the same.  Monuments can come in the shape of an object, such as an angel or cross, or they can have a more traditional look.  Headstone monuments are found at the head of a gravesite and they offer grave visitors information pertaining to the lady or gentleman buried below.  Headstone monuments are likely to list the name of the deceased, their date of birth and death, and an epitaph will likely be engraved.  An engraved epitaph is typically a short phrase used to summarize the life or qualities that a deceased individual once had.

Headstone monuments can come in many different forms; however, headstone monuments are monuments that are positioned at the front or head of a gravesite.  Upright  monuments may be about waist high; however, there are no limits on the amount or styles of headstone monuments that can be purchased or custom made.  It is possible for a headstone monument to be a bench.  These benches are often used for visitors to view important information pertaining to the deceased or sit and reflect on his or her life. 

As with caskets or other burial accessories, headstone monuments can come customized according to the preference of the family.  Headstone monuments are traditionally made out of granite; however, other materials may also be used.  Granite is a material that can come in different colors or designs.  In addition to an epitaph, it is possible for a picture or drawing of the deceased to be attached to a monument.  

Although the tradition may not be as popular as it once was before, many family members still choose to be buried next to each other or in a nearby cemetery plot.  When a husband or wife passes on, it is not uncommon for their surviving partner to purchase two cemetery plots, side by side.  Upright headstone monuments can also be used to mark multiple cemetery plots.  Especially in cases concerning husbands or wives, it is possible for one large headstone monument to contain information pertaining to both individuals.  If one individual passes on before the other, one side of the headstone monument will remain blank until the surviving partner passes on.  

Personalized headstone monuments are a popular and special way to pay tribute to a family member who has passed away.  Your family and close family friends will be likely to visit the gravesite for many years to come.  A personalized or traditional headstone monument is a beautiful way to offer remembrance for your loved one whether it be one year from now or a hundred.