Individuals often have specific ideas about what they want at their funeral (or whether they even want a funeral), but who is the funeral ultimately for? How, if at all, should the needs of loved ones be taken into account when planning a service? In this PSA, real people explore this question and others. Their comments may surprise you. When you share this PSA in your community, you will: Inspire family members and friends to get involved in the conversation and express their wants and needs as they begin the grieving process. Inspire people who didn’t want a funeral to reconsider their decision. Encourage people to visit RememberingALife.com to learn more about meaningful funerals and start the conversation.

Personal interviews with funeral directors who have helped families and communities heal after mass fatality incidents bring into focus the commitment funeral professionals have to helping families in the wake of the most tragic events. Funeral directors who served families after the mass shootings in Columbine, Aurora and Pittsburgh; and the terrorist attack on September 11 share their stories.

As funeral professionals, you know the value a funeral can provide to families as they begin the grief journey following the death of a loved one. You also know the value you provide in creating a meaningful experience. It can, however, sometimes be difficult to express this to a family. Let this PSA do the talking for you. Thoughtful words and imagery beautifully communicate the healing power of funerals and the important role you, as a funeral professional, play in guiding families through the process. When you share this PSA in your community, you will: Encourage families to have meaningful funerals. Inspire families to incorporate creative elements into funerals. Educate families about the important role of funeral directors. Encourage people to visit RememberingALife.com to learn more about meaningful funerals and start the conversation.

“Honoring a Life Lost to Overdose” acknowledges that losing a loved one to addiction and overdose hurts terribly. It encourages people to understand that while they likely have many questions, but not many answers, coming together with family and friends to honor the life of their loved one can help them begin their grief journey.