One of the many holidays this week relating to death and dying was "Plan Your Epitaph Day" celebrated on November 2. This special event was registered by Lance Hardie, of Arcata, Calif to coincide with the Day of the Dead and is one of the many holidays and events listed in Chase's Calendar of Events.

As with the Create a Great Funeral Day earlier this week, "Plan Your Epitaph" event provides a good opportunity to take a moment and think about what you might want written as your final tribute.

More than Just Rest in Peace
Perhaps one of the most commonly used ones, at least in photos and graphics is Rest in Peace, abbreviated: R.I.P.

A good epitaph is one that makes you pause for a moment to think.

What is an Epitaph?
An epitaph is the inscription upon a person's gravestone, tombstone, headstone or memorial plaque written in memory of the person. Most include the name of the deceased, the date of birth and the date of death. Some include the person's significant achievements. Many include quotes or excerpts from holy texts, writings or expressions, or short witty statements.

Let's look at some examples of some memorable epitaphs.

Examples of Contemporary Epitaphs
For Author F. Scott Fitzgerald his epitaph included the famous last line of Gatsby:

So we beat on, boats against the current,
borne back ceaselessly into the past.

For Aviation Pioneer, Charles Lindbergh his epitaph included part of one of the Psalms 139:9

If I take the wings of the morning and
dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea

For Writer-Poet Edgar Allan Poe, his epitaphs included part of his poem "The Raven."

Fly
Quoth the Raven,
"Nevermore."

For the Unknown Soldier, there are no dates, only these infamous words:

Here Rests in
Honored Glory
An American
Soldier
Known But to God

Write Your Epitaph
Take a few moments to look over the examples of epitaphs on this page and think about how you would want to be remembered once you have died. The process of thinking about the final words that will be used to describe yourself can help you focus on what is really important in your life--is it your achievements, one of your many roles or being remembered as simply being Nevermore?

Write down what you would want inscribed on your own gravestone, tombstone, headstone or memorial plaque. Once you have decided on Your Epitaph, be sure to tell your family and loved ones and with all end-of-life issues, to "Put it in Writing."

Examples of Traditional Epitaphs

Beneath these green trees rising to the skies,
The planter of them, Isaac Greentree, lies;
The time shall come when these green trees shall fall,
And Isaac Greentree rise above them all.
Epitaph at Harrow

Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade,
Death came with friendly care;
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed,
And bade it blossom there.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Epitaph on an Infant

For 12 year-old Reliance Megee, who died in 1754, her simple epitaph read:

A Hopeful Child.

About.com Resources

• Create a Great Funeral Day - From Your Death, Dying and Bereavement Guide
• Definition of an Epitaph - From Your Death, Dying and Bereavement Guide
• Definition of Epitaph - From About's Guide to Contemporary Literature, Mark Flanagan
• Grabinschriften: German Epitaphs - From About's Guide to German Language, Hyde Flippo

More Examples of Epitaphs

• Grabinschriften 2: Sample German Epitaphs - From About's Guide to German Language, Hyde Flippo
• Epitaph on the Tombstone of a Child - From About's Guide to Literature: Classic, Esther Lombardi
• Epitaphs by Anne Bradstreet - From About's Guide to Literature: Classic, Esther Lombardi
• Funny and Famous Epitaphs - From About's Guide to Parenting of Adolescents, Denise Witmer
• Insulting Epitaph - From About's Guide to Urban Legends and Folklore, David Emery (Not recommended for those offended by off-color language)

Resources Used:

• Plan Your Epitaph Day - Lance Hardie
• Cech J. Plan Your Epitaph Day. "Recess!" University of Florida's Center for Children's Literature and Culture. 2005.

Some Educational Resources
These resources are good sources for teachers who are interested in having the students write their own epitaphs.

• November 2nd: Plan Your Epitaph Day - From Ed Helper.
• The Explorers' Graveyard - From TeachersFirst
• It's Time to Write Epitaphs - Scare Up Some Great Halloween Poetry-Writing Activities - From Education World.

_{Image: Elyzabeth Andersen. Tombstones. Royalty Free Use.}