Unlike most of the other animals on Earth, humans have the rare ability to comprehend the consequences of their own deaths. This often drives people with the desire to leave something that will make it easier for other people to remember them, with their actions echoing throughout the annals of time. Of course, though, alongside this, people can also take action that will cement the memory of people they love, and this is what this post is going to be all about.
1 – Monuments
Monuments like statues are one of the oldest ways to commemorate a person. Most cities and towns are packed with sites like this, with some being large and some being small. You have loads of options when you want to go down this route, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on this to get good results if you can’t afford to. Instead, you can look at options like plaques and plinths, with options like statues being best for those who have a lot of money to spend or know someone who would be willing to donate one.
2 – Land & Resources
Places are greatly influenced by the people that call them home, and this is something that can easily outlast someone’s lifespan. It is common to find parks and other public land names after people who have had an impact on the area, and you can donate land like this to make the whole thing possible. Having a park named after your loved one will ensure that their legacy touches as many people as possible, bring smiles to the faces of youngsters, and giving locals an outdoor space to enjoy together.
3 – Buildings
Much like land, buildings can also provide you with a good way to leave a legacy for someone you love. You don’t necessarily have to make this a public building, with many normal homes having names that go alongside their numbers. While this won’t be quite as big as some of the other options on this list, it will remind you and your other family members of the person you all care about whenever you see the name. Of course, some people decide to do this with public buildings, though this can be a lot more costly.
4 – Charities & Foundations
Operating a charity in someone else’s name can be an excellent way to commemorate them. Not only will this enable you to do some good, but it can also be done in a way that reflects the passions of the person who has passed. For example, if your loved one enjoyed spending time helping the homeless, you could consider the idea of operating a charity that does the same job. You can name this charity after the person who it has been made for, cementing their name into the history of your local area.
5 – Music & Art
This next idea allows you to use your own passions and interests to make something that can be used as a memorial for your loved one. Artwork and music are timeless, with certain songs and pieces lasting for thousands of years. While those who enjoy the art may not understand the origins, you will be able to touch a lot of people with work like this, and it is nice to do this in someone else’s memory. This option should only be used when you feel passionate about it, as this will enable you to pour yourself into your work.
6 – Local Donations
Most people care deeply about the area they call home, especially when they have been there for many years. Even the smallest long-term impact on this place can be good, with donations to your local area serving as an excellent way to commemorate someone you care about. Benches are a good example of this, with many of the benches you see in local areas being given as donations on behalf of someone who has passed away. Flower beds, play equipment, and a range of other donations can also work for this idea.
7 – Their Grave
A person’s grave is a very important part of their legacy. While these spots only really matter to the people who know those who are buried there, they can have the power to spark strong memories that will make you feel glad that you’ve put time into them. There are loads of ways to make sure that someone’s grave serves as a good memorial, with sites like Memorials.com stocking everything you need to make something like this feel special. Of course, as a big part of this, it’s always worth looking for options that reflect the personality and interests of the person you are commemorating.
Alongside the permanent aspects of someone’s grave, you can also help to keep their memory alive by visiting regularly with fresh flowers and other tokens. Some people use visits like this to leave personal messages for their loved ones, and there are loads of other ways to make your visits extra special. Of course, though, it’s also worth thinking about memorials that other people will get the chance to see.
With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of making the memories you have of your loved ones last forever. The impact that people can have on their local area in life can be massive, but this is something that you can continue into the future with just a little bit of work.
