Multi Faith Memorial Day At Putney Vale Cemetery And Crematorium

On Sunday afternoon, the 16 of September at 2.00 p.m., I went to speak to those who came to attend a multi-faith memorial service at Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium. There were a few speakers from other faiths apart from me. They, of course, spoke from their own faith- perspective.

For me, it was good to be there to share in the happy memories those people had about the loved ones they had lost. I spoke to them about there being two aspects of a memorial service: firstly, as an expression of love, respect and gratitude to the deceased and secondly, as a dedication to their loved ones.

This ceremony was performed to cherish the good feelings they still held between themselves and the deceased. Even if they had lost their friend or relative a long time ago, love and the good relationship they enjoyed was still in their hearts. It is a good thing that once a year there is such a ceremony performed to recall the cherished memories of the loved person and most of all to realise the truth of life; life begins with birth, there is life and at the end of life there is death. Without this understanding, life is painful and problematic as there are many people who are depressed about bereavement.

The ceremony ended with the reading of a list of all those people who were remembered. There was a two minute silence and candles were then lit in remembrance of these loved ones. It is right that such a good event as this should be performed, for it as a sign of humanity. It expresses love, care, respect and gratitude to our lost loved ones. This ceremony is indeed a regular annual event and I think that this it is a very important and very wonderful thing to do. I look forward to repeating this experience next year.