funeral homes in Clarksville, TN

A Tribute to Those Who Served

In the heart of the Volunteer State, in the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, where the Cumberland River gently flows, the spirit of service and sacrifice is deeply embedded. As the home to the nation’s most dedicated service members and veterans, funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, have long held the honor of providing final rites to these brave individuals. The services they provide are not merely a final farewell, but a tribute to those who served — a salute to their courage and dedication.

Among the numerous individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of the nation, the heroes of World War I hold a special place. They were the trailblazers who set the precedent of valor and bravery in the face of adversity. Their dedication to the cause of peace and liberty is a timeless reminder of what service to one’s country truly signifies.

A unique aspect of Clarksville’s tribute to those who served is the commitment to not just remembering the departed, but celebrating their lives and service. This commitment is mirrored in the pages of “One Who Served: A Memorial Tribute to Your Veteran,” a keepsake book created by veterans for the families of veterans. This book is more than just a collection of words and images; it’s a tangible connection to the past, a bridge to a loved one’s service and sacrifice. It encapsulates the spirit of every veteran who has served, reminding us that their legacy lives on, and their service continues to inspire.

In the same vein, the video “A Tribute to Those Who Served,” released in 2012, reflects a similar sentiment. It brings to life the stories of those who have served, capturing their courage, commitment, and resilience in a way that words alone cannot. The video is not just a tribute, but a testament to the selfless service of these brave individuals.

Our nation’s reverence for those who have served extends beyond the boundaries of Clarksville, Tennessee. Institutions like Hanover College have shown their deep respect and appreciation for these individuals by extending their tributes on special occasions such as Memorial Day. The college’s gesture is a reminder that the sacrifices made by those who served are recognized and honored across the nation.

Veteran Tributes, an online platform, has taken the concept of honoring those who served a step further. It hosts tribute pages for Medal of Honor recipients, prisoners of war, generals, admirals, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. These pages not only honor the memory of these individuals but also ensure that their stories of bravery and service are accessible to future generations.

The role of funeral homes in Clarksville, TN, in these tributes is profound. They provide a space for these tributes to take place, facilitating the process of honoring and remembering these brave individuals. These homes, like the Sykes Funeral Home & Crematory, take great care in ensuring that each service is a fitting tribute to the individual’s service and sacrifice.

In addition to traditional services, these funeral homes provide specialized Veterans Funeral Care, a service that ensures the unique needs and wishes of veterans and their families are met. This care includes arranging for military honors, securing the burial benefits to which veterans are entitled, and providing resources for grief support.

In the end, the tributes offered by funeral homes, like the Sykes Funeral Home & Crematory, and the larger community in Clarksville, Tennessee, are more than just ceremonies or commemorations. They are a reflection of a deep and enduring gratitude to those who served,funeral homes in Clarksville, TN a commitment to honor their memory and uphold their legacy. As we continue to remember and honor those who served, let us never forget their service, their sacrifice, and the freedoms they fought to preserve.

cremation services in Clarksville, TN

How to Save Money on a Military Memorial

What do you do if you don’t have a big budget for a military memorial after cremation services in Clarksville, TN? Memorials after cremations can be expensive. And for most people, that’s just fine. Memorials are a big deal and oftentimes the memories of your lost veteran and meaningful moments honoring their life are worth the expense.

But for some, it’s important to save money on a memorial so they can spend it on other things that are equally important. And that’s OK, too. However, working within a small memorial budget can be hard, especially for people who have big dreams of what they want their lost loved one’s service to look like. If you’re worried about the cost of a memorial, maybe it’s time to cut back on the budget.

Think about it this way – you won’t be stressed about bills or money, and you’ll actually be able to soak in the time spent honoring and remembering your loved one. Not sure how to decrease your budget to save you money? Here are some tips for cutting down your memorial budget.

First, DIY as much as possible. While there are some aspects of a memorial you don’t want to DIY, like preparing the body, there are tons of things you can. For example, make your centerpieces, create your own floral arrangements, design your own programs, or ask friend and family to help with set up and tear down. There’s also the option of DIYing the food at the reception following the service if you want to go with a more casual vibe and your venue allows.

Pare down your guest list to just people you really know and really love, and you’ll see your budget go way down. However, don’t skimp on the venue. The one thing you shouldn’t try and scrimp on? The memorial home. The memorial home has such a massive impact on the entire day, so don’t try and cut back there. Instead, use these tips for other ways to save money.

What about skipping stationary? The cost of paper death announcements and memorial invitations really adds up. Luckily, there are tons of digital platforms that will send these out for free. If you’re set on having paper invitations, consider mixing them with a digital RSVP system. You can also cut things like day-of programs, and menu cards as they always get thrown out anyway. Instead, try big chalkboard signs that can give the same information for way less than half the cost. You can also make cuts to the guest list. This is the simplest way to save money on a memorial. Think about it like this: a 300-person memorial reception will automatically be twice as expensive as a 150-person reception.cremation services in Clarksville, TN

We are here to help if you want more memorial or funeral planning tips for your lost veteran. As a Clarksville, TN cremation service provider, we have the expertise needed to make your lost loved one’s service the best it can be, no matter what your budget. Call or visit us today.

funeral home in Clarksville, TN

Embalming and Veteran’s Services

Embalming is preserving human remains to slow decomposition, generally performed to make the body presentable for a funeral or service. Embalming is also often used to keep bodies preserved for medical purposes in anatomical laboratories or schools. Do you want to learn every more about embalming and what it has to do with veteran’s services at funeral home in Clarksville, TN? We are here to help!

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about embalming. To begin, do bodies have to be embalmed? Though it’s quite common, embalming is rarely necessary. It is not required when the body is cremated, though most funeral homes do require embalming for viewings or open casket funeral services.

Do you have to embalm the body for an open casket funeral? Most states do not have laws that require embalming before a public viewing or an open casket funeral, though most funeral homes will not allow a viewing if the body is not embalmed. What happens if a body is not embalmed? Bodies that are not embalmed will decompose at their normal rate, depending on the cause of death, weight of deceased, temperature, moisture levels, and other factors. If the body is not embalmed, you will need to hold the service, burial, or cremation as soon as possible after the death.

How long does embalming take? The entire embalming process takes an average of two hours, but it can take longer if the deceased was in an accident or had an autopsy, as this requires additional steps to make the body presentable for a service. What are your options for internment of an embalmed body? Once a body is embalmed, you can bury it or cremate it as you prefer. You cannot, however, bury it with a natural burial because the embalming chemicals could leak into the ground and harm the environment.

Are organs removed during embalming? The organs are left inside the body cavity during the embalming process. However, the embalmer does drain all of the blood from the body and replaces with embalming fluid. They then flush the blood and other waste down a drain and into the sewage system, at which point it goes through the local wastewater treatment process. Can you cremate an embalmed body? Yes! Embalming does not impact the cremation process.

What about how long an embalmed body lasts? Embalming does not stop decomposition; it just slows it down. Though the rate of decomposition varies depending on temperature, moisture levels, and other variables, an embalmed body will last inside a casket for many years. However, the goal of embalming is to make the body look as good as possible for the funeral, usually about a week after the process. If you plan on having an open-casket funeral, you should not leave the embalmed body out for more than a week.funeral home in Clarksville, TN

Do you have more questions about embalming, veteran’s services, or Clarksville, TN funeral homes? We are here to help in any way we can during your time of loss. Call or visit us today for more information on our offerings.

cremation services in Clarksville, TN

The Strangest Cremation Service Questions

Lots of people wonder a lot of odd or quirky things about cremation services in Clarksville, TN. From the icky to the bizarre, its normal to have questions about cremation. Are you ready to satisfy your curiosity? Here are the answers to some of the most common weird cremation questions.

  • Do teeth burn during cremation? Teeth usually burn up during the cremation process. Tooth fragments that are not burnt up will be ground during the ash processing.
  • Do cremains have DNA? Cremains rarely hold enough DNA to be read during an analysis. The bone and teeth fragments left behind after the process are ground into a fine powder, making it almost impossible to extract viable DNA for testing.
  • Are the ashes really the person? Cremation ashes, sometimes called cremains, are the bits of bones leftover after the cremation process. So yes, the ashes really are the person. Every cremation provider has safety and identification protocols in place to ensure that the proper cremains are returned to the proper family, so you can rest assured the ashes you receive are the ashes of your lost loved one.
  • Can you be cremated without a funeral? You can be cremated without a funeral service. This is called direct cremation. Your loved ones can always have a memorial service at a later date after the cremation if they or you so choose.
  • What is the most affordable way to be cremated? Whole-body donations, or donating the entire body to science, comes with a no-cost cremation, making it the most affordable way to be cremated.
  • Can you watch a cremation? Some cremation providers do allow the bereaved to view the cremation from a separate chamber. However, as the entire process takes several hours, most only allow the bereaved to view the body being placed into the cremation chamber.
  • Are bodies cremated with clothes on? Bodies are cremated in what they died in if they are cremated with direct cremation. If they’re cremated after a funeral, they will be cremated in the clothes they were placed in for the service.
  • Do bodies sit up during cremation? Because of the cremation chamber’s high heat, some bodies go into what’s called a pugilistic stance, meaning the elbows, knees, and fists clench from dehydration due to the extreme heat. The pugilistic stance may make the body appear shorter or stiffer, but it will not make the body sit up.
  • Are bodies cremated in their caskets? Bodies will be removed from their caskets if the caskets are not suitable for cremation. But, if the casket is able to be cremated, the body will be cremated while still inside the casket.
  • Is cremation common? The National Funeral Directors Association states the current ratecremation services in Clarksville, TN of cremation is about 56%, while traditional burial is 37%. In short, it is safe to say that cremation is the most common disposition method in the country.

Do you have more questions about Clarksville, TN cremation services? Call or visit us today to learn about what we can do for you in your time of loss, preplanning, or curiosity.

funeral home in Clarksville

Should I Offer Sympathy to a Coworker?

Workplace relationships are already tricky, but they can get even trickier when one of your coworkers loses a loved one. What do you do when one of your coworkers loses a loved one and has to plan a service at a funeral home in Clarksville, TN?

Situations like these can be very difficult to navigate as it’s hard to know what to say or what to do to be helpful and comforting but still professional. How do you properly express sympathy in the workplace? There are a few ways to go about it.

For example, if you’re speaking to a bereaved coworker from just yourself, you can say things like: “My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.”, “Please let me know if I can help in any way.”, “My warm thoughts and sincere prayers are with you and your loved ones.”, or “Please know I’m here for you in this season of mourning.”

If you’re speaking on behalf of a team or the entire company, try something like: “We are fully behind you and however much time you need! You have the sincere condolences of the entire team in this challenging time.”, or “On behalf of the company, we are here to help you through this.”

But where and when do you convey these sentiments? Oftentimes the easiest and best way to convey condolences in a professional setting is via email. Here are some tips for writing a professional condolences email, like don’t make it about you. Phrases like “I know how you feel” aren’t helpful and may make the recipient feel as if you’re not seeing them in their specific pain. Instead, share a memory of their lost loved one.

Be professional in tone and style and use a simple subject line. Its best to avoid unprofessional or flippant writing. Therefore, don’t use things like slang, cliches, or emojis. Be sure to make your subject line clear and simple so they know the message isn’t about work but is instead about their loss. Try something like: “My Condolences” or “With Deepest Sympathy.” Also, not everyone shares the same religious beliefs. Don’t assume they believe in the afterlife by using generic expressions like “they’re in a better place.” You can, however, say you will pray for them if that is in line with your beliefs or religion. You should also offer specific help. Don’t offer advice. Instead, offer to help in specific ways.

For example, you could offer to deliver a home cooked meal, send a gift card for a grocery delivery service, or send a bouquet of their favorite flowers. No matter how you offer to help,funeral home in Clarksville don’t be too pushy or insistent. Finally, sign off professionally and proofread. Though this email is personal in nature, you should still sign off in a professional manner. Avoid signing off with sentiments like, “All of my love,” as it can be too informal. Instead use “All my best” or “With sympathy” before signing.

Do you want more tips on dealing with workplace loss or planning Clarksville, TN funeral homes? Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in our time of loss.

cremation service in Clarksville, TN

Military Funeral Flags

A military funeral flag is a standard United States flag that’s draped over the coffin or urn of a veteran or military servicemember during their funeral, memorial, or internment ceremony. Also known as a military burial flag, the flag is folded up after the service is over 13 times to form a triangle, perhaps representing the 13 original colonies and the shape of the hats traditionally worn during the Revolutionary War. After its folded, the flag is given to the deceased’s closest family member, like a spouse, parents, sibling, or other next of kin. The VA provides funeral flags at no cost for both active duty and retired veterans of any of the armed force divisions. Civilians can request flags, but they do come at a cost. But what do you do with the flag after the cremation service in Clarksville, TN?

Here are some unique and helpful ideas to inspire you for what you can do with your lost loved one’s military flag.

There are several options that both honor the memory of your lost loved one and respect the nature of the flag. Some of them include buying a personalized military flag case or a memorabilia and flag display case. There are many flag cases available for sale, such as personalized cases that display the veteran’s service branch, name, and rank. The wooden case keeps the flag free from dust, and a felt-lined lid provides an area to proudly display awards and insignia.

Showcase your lost loved one’s military memorabilia and their funeral flag with a special display case. Such cases are perfect to exhibit awards, patches, photos, insignia, and more. You can choose a wall-mountable or standing versions of this kind of case so you can display memorabilia and the flag wherever it fits best in your home.

You can also fly the flag or display it in a homemade case. While the official United States Flag Code does not mention whether or not you are allowed to fly a military funeral flag, there are two main factions divided on this issue. Some believe that once a funeral flag is folded it should remain that way, meaning it cannot be flown. Others believe flying the flag is a noble and patriotic way of honoring the deceased. Make your own case to display the funeral flag on your mantle, on a shelf, or on a wall. This is a great way to invest time and meaningful craftsmanship into honoring your lost loved one. If your lost loved one was cremated, you can also buy a flag display case that is designed to fit perfectly on top of their cremation urn. This way, you can keep your lost loved one’s remains and their funeral flag in the same place.

Do you want more information on military funeral flags or Clarksville, TN cremation services? We are here to help! Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you during your time of loss or preplanning.

funeral home in Clarksville, TN

Want to Involve Your Kids in a Funeral?

Your kids deserve to participate in a service at a funeral home in Clarksville, TN as it will not only make them feel included, but it will also help them express their own grief in constructive ways. Keep reading to learn more about involving your kids in a memorial or funeral.

You need to make sure the service is memorable, respectful, and meaningful, but you should also make sure your kids feel included as they knew and loved the deceased, too. What can you do to help them feel included? These tips can help.

To begin, try making them part of the service. While younger children might not be able to be part of a memorial or funeral, older kids certainly can. In fact, many older kids would be honored be part of remembering and celebrating their lost loved ones. You can make kids part of the service by having them do a reading, make a short speech, lead a prayer, or even just stand up at the front with the rest of the family.

What about assigning them responsibilities? One sure-fire way to keep everyone happy and feeling involved is to actually involve everyone. Handing out responsibilities to your kids is sure to keep them happy and help them feel like they’re part of the experience. Plus, there’s lots to do when planning and executing a service, so the extra help will be appreciated. Get them to help with researching good quotes for speeches, helping guests make travel arrangements, or drawing pictures for decorations. Your other kids will feel excited and engaged if you give them a personal assignment to help make their lost loved one’s service the best it can be. You can also add activities for them and give them one-on-one attention. If your other children are younger, they might feel left out of the service and the planning because such events usually don’t have activities for younger kids.

To make them feel included, add a few kid-friendly games or activities to the service schedule to make sure they are part of the event. Set up a children’s table with coloring books or crafts or hire a babysitter to help keep them entertained during the long day. Even having a side room where they can go if the service gets overwhelming will be helpful. It won’t hurt to put in a little extra effort with your little ones while planning a memorial or funeral. You don’t want anyone tofuneral home in Clarksville, TN feel neglected. Try putting aside some one-on-one time for your younger children while planning. You can take them with you while running errands and stop for lunch or an ice cream after, or just add a bit of extra play time into your daily schedule.

We’re committed to making sure your lost loved one’s service at a Clarksville, TN funeral home is as meaningful and respectful as possible, with or without kids. Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

cremation service in Clarksville, TN

Grief Counseling After Veteran’s Services

Grief counseling is a specific form of therapy that helps you cope with the effects of a major loss and a veteran’s service after a cremation service in Clarksville, TN.

There are many different ways you can get help and support when you’re grieving after a loss, grief counseling is just one of them. Though it comes in many different forms, it commonly involves taking through your feelings about and reactions to the loss of a loved one or any other grief-inducing event such as divorce, infertility, or an adoption falling through. The main goal of grief counseling is to give you tools to help you deal with the emotional, spiritual, physical, and social effects of grief. The counselor will help you process what has happened, identify what you are experiencing, and provide strategies that help you cope in the healthiest way possible.

As there are different kinds of grief counseling, there are different kinds of grief counselors including licensed or certified grief counselors. Licensed or certified grief counselors are mental health professionals who focus on treating individuals and families suffering from loss, whether that means a death or a divorce, loss of a job, or even the loss of a pet. Because grief comes in many different forms for many different people, there are lots of different kinds of grief counselors. Some work in group settings, others focus on private sessions. Some just listen, others give advice and actionable tools to help you move through the grieving process.

You can also get grief counseling from professional therapists. “Therapist” refers to psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. Though they have different titles, each of these professionals are educated and certified in helping with mental and emotional problems. However, their different titles do indicate different specialties. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medicine, while psychologists are trained in talk therapy, the study of behavior, and psychological testing and analysis and therefore cannot prescribe medicine. Counselors are trained to help individuals address specific problems involving behavior and mental and emotional well-being. You can find any of these professional therapists in locations such as mental health clinics, community centers, hospitals, online practices, military facilities, and schools.

There is also pastoral counseling and support groups. Many people find comfort through their faith, making pastoral counseling an excellent choice for getting through grief. This type of counseling helps back up your faith and gives you guidance and support in grief throughcremation service in Clarksville, TN religious texts and concepts. Many people feel alone after the loss of a loved one. Support groups are excellent for making you feel less alone or if you’re uncomfortable talking to a professional in a one-on-one setting. In support groups, each member works in tandem with the others and gives instant validation from being around others who can understand on some level. Funeral homes, churches, hospitals, and community centers all usually offer support groups or recommendations.

Do you have more questions on grief counseling or on Clarksville, TN cremation services or veteran’s services? Call or visit us today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

funeral home in Clarksville, TN

Military Services and Funeral Homes

Every honorably discharged veteran is eligible for standard miliary honors, no matter which branch of the armed forces they served in, whether they died in battle, or if they lived a long life.

A veteran can earn a military honors service at a funeral home in Clarksville, TN by serving their country in an honorable way.

 

Did you know there are two kinds of military honors services: standard military honors and full military honors? In a standard military honors service, a military chaplain officiates the service and serves as a counselor for the bereaved before and after the service. A standard service also includes a United States flag that is draped over the casket for the service and given to the family afterwards as a keepsake to honor their lost loved one’s service. An honor guard to present arms and salute the deceased is another part of a standard military honors. At the appropriate time, two members of the guard will perform the flag folding ceremony. The guard will fold the flag into a tri-corner shape. The guard will present the flag to the next of kin. Finally, a standard military honors service includes the playing of Taps, a standard bugle call during which everyone should stand and face the flag. Military personnel will salute, and civilians will place their right hand over their hearts.

 

A full military honors service includes the same elements as standard service as well as several other honors, like a star-ranking officers are honored with a fired salute. In this tradition, the deceased will receive a specific number of gun salute depending on his or her military rank. For example, Five-Star ranking Generals, along with chiefs of staff, cabinet members, and other high-ranking US officials will receive a 19-gun salute, Three-Star ranking officers will receive a 15-gun salute, and One-Star ranking officers will receive an 11-gun salute. The full 21-gun salute is reserved for the President as Commander-in-Chief. A full military honors funeral also includes a military band and an escort platoon to accompany the deceased to burial or the service. Finally, a Colonel/Captain and above will receive standard military honors and a caparisoned, riderless horse to symbolize a fallen leader.

 

How do you act at military services? These tips will help shed light on military funeral etiquette, like where to sit. Only immediate family members of the deceased should sit in the front row, as this is a pale of honor and makes it easier to give them the folded flag. Everyone seated should stay seated throughout the entire service, unless directed to stand. Keep in mind, only currentfuneral home in Clarksville, TN or former military members should salute, but all civilians should remove hats or headgear during the salute. Also, when dressing, remember that men should wear a darkly colored suit and a tie, while women should wear a dark suite, dress, or skirt and blouse. All military personnel should wear their dress uniforms. Similar to standard funerals, its best to dress as conservatively as possible out of respect for the deceased.

 

Do you want more information on military honors or Clarksville, TN funeral homes? Give us a call or pay us a visit us today.

cremation service in Clarksville, TN

Tangible Ways to Help a Grieving Friend Pt. 2

You want to be helpful to someone who is grieving after a loss and a cremation service in Clarksville, TN, but how? You don’t want your attempts at being helpful to be a burden on them in their time of loss. You most likely want to be helpful in a concrete way. Here is part two of this blog, offering even more meaningful ways you can show up for someone in grief and be genuinely helpful.

 

Number one is to help them rest. There’s a lot do to when someone dies, from planning the service to dealing with end-of-life legalities. Help out by taking things off their plate so they can really rest. Try taking over hosting responsibilities for out-of-town funeral guests, performing household chores, or doing some childcare for an afternoon. Yard work is an excellent way you can help out, as everyone needs their grass cut at some point. From making lists to actually doing the shopping, running errands takes a lot of physical and mental work. Taking errands off their plate would be very helpful in their time of grief.

 

Homecooked meals are genuinely comforting, but cooking takes time and energy – both of which are tough to come by in grief. Cook at their house while keeping them company or bring over an easily heated, freezer-friendly dish like a casserole, soup, or lasagna. You can also include a little treat in your meal delivery, such as a pie, cookies, a book, or even a pair of cozy socks. Keep reaching out and ask what they need. Grief doesn’t end after the funeral or cremation. Even after you’ve attended the service, said your condolences, brought a meal, and run some errands, keep reaching out. They’ll always appreciate the support. Sometimes the best way to provide exactly the help they need is to ask them what they need. Be specific, saying something like, “I’m free on Wednesday, what can I help you with?” or “Can I bring over dinner on Thursday night?” The simple act of going somewhere when in grief can be overwhelming. You can also offer to drive them places or simply go with them wherever they need to go so they’re not alone.

 

Don’t forget to be flexible. What they need might vary from day to day. Yesterday, they might have wanted to be left alone, but today they might need a shoulder to cry on and an ear to hearcremation service in Clarksville, TN their pain. Be flexible and willing to provide what they need as each moment passes. What about gifting them a massage? Physical touch like massages can be very helpful when someone is grieving. Gift them a massage gift certificate so they can rest, relax, and have some time alone.

 

We are here to help if you want more tips on supporting someone in grief or more information on Clarksville, TN cremation services. We are honored to assist in any way we can during your time of loss or preplanning. Please call or visit us today to learn more.