Extras

A new company is turning the funeral business on its head and will bury people vertically. The unique scheme, about to be launched in Melbourne, Australia, is being offered as a simple, natural and economical approach to burial. The deceased are placed in a biodegradable bag and then lowered feet first into a cylindrical hole just over two feet wide and about 10 feet deep.

Company Upright Burials claims it is a world first and the method produces far less carbon dioxide than a regular burial.

Tom Dupleix, managing director, said: “When people have a traditional burial there is the process of manufacturing a coffin which is often made out of wood or a man-made fiber and there is regularly a plastic tray inside the coffin too. Our burials involve far less energy intensive practices and using a biodegradable bag insures that a natural product is going into the ground.”

And those not concerned about being “laid” to rest will save space with many more vertical burials being able to take place in any field.

The company has been granted permission to bury in a site west of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It hopes to bury between 30,000 to 40,000 in a field. After it has been filled it will be transferred back to a pasture.

They plan to plant a tree for every body put into the ground “to partially offset the carbon footprint in collection, storage and delivery of the body to the cemetery.” And rather than a headstone above each body, the company will simply inscribe the names of those buried on a memorial wall. Relatives will however be given the exact location of their loved one.

They have had many inquires, but none had taken place yet. Mr. Dupleix believes principle rather than price is the main reason for interest. He said, “Most people are attracted by the simplicity of the project and the concept of being far more in touch with nature.”

He conceived the idea during a dinner table conversation nearly 10 years ago. He said, “There are no candles, music, grade of coffin, entourages or other burial paraphernalia to decide on. We know upright burials will not be for everyone, but we offer something new, that is simple, respectful and eco-friendly.”

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A Matter of Honor

By Streuli-Opinion in The Journal Record

Oct. 21, 2009

A white glove touched a patent leather brim, the hand inside not trembling at all despite the cold, damp October weather.

The sergeant held that position in the rigid way that only military men can achieve while two other soldiers meticulously folded the American flag.

The soldiers did not know the man in the casket. It did not matter that he was a father to eight children who had carried him from the church to the hearse.

The First Presbyterian Church in Golden City, MO—certainly, the only Presbyterian church in Golden City, Missouri– is a small white building with a sanctuary half a flight up from the sidewalk and a combination basement and social hall half a flight below. Judging by the doorknobs, it was probably built no later than the mid-1920’s about the same time the man who would be remembered in the sanctuary was born.

Family, and there were a lot of them, gathered downstairs for a covered-dish luncheon, a meal perfected by generations of Presbyterians. Cousins posed on the church steps for a rare group photo while uncles took the metal folding chairs up to the family room for the service.

An efficient gray-haired woman in a black dress gave directions to volunteers. Golden City is a one-square-mile town that’s home to 884 people, many of them farmers. About one-fourth of them came to pay their respects, the last to arrive standing downstairs, listening to the service on a wireless loudspeaker the church keeps on hand for just such occasions.

There was an occasional laugh as a man’s 87 years were recounted and condensed into a one-hour service. There was a cringe when the pianist missed a few notes. And there was a lot of dabbing at the eyes as family and friends remembered everything that were the things that might have been.

A talented vocalist soulfully sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and “How Great Thou Art,” but the Kleenex came out when he added an unplanned, a cappella rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Grandchildren remembered their grandfather with courage and tears, for the man he was, and the man he was not. His was a life of struggle and work, one that did not benefit from a formal education. But his legacy sat in the sanctuary: eight successful children, 22 even more successful grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren so far.

It did not matter that the man’s newest great-grandson, just four weeks old, was in attendance as the honor guard fired a three volley salute over the casket.

The bugler didn’t notice that the mourners were huddled together under a gray sky, spouses’ hands entwined and babies held close under blankets. He just took in the chilly air, put his lips to the mouthpiece and cried out through his horn the 24 mournful notes of Taps.

The seven soldiers in the honor guard were probably unaware that the man they were saluting fought in the Asiatic Pacific Theater in World War II, that he was a U.S. Army infantry rifleman, or that he was Pvt. First Class Vaughn Nichols.

The soldiers didn’t know because it didn’t matter. The man they saluted was a soldier. That was all they needed to know.

Meaning of Flag-Draped Coffin

I hope you take the time to read this.. To understand what the flag draped coffin really means… Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents the weaker nature, for American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United State of America and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The eight fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The thirteen fold or when the flag is completely fold. The stars are uppermost reminding them of their nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Christmas Letter

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don’t care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn’t allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn’t be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grapevine if you wish; I actually spoke of that once in a teaching, explaining what I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks was. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of the year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don’t have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don’t you write and tell him that you’ll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up…. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can’t afford and they don’t need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don’t know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn’t make so much money on that day they’d close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary—especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here’s a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no “Christmas” tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don’t know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don’t do things in secret that you wouldn’t do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that your are one of mine.

Don’t forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I’ll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I’ll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU

JESUS