How Memorials Help People Cope and Connect with the Past

    Memorials have a special place within human culture. Whether it be a Cenotaph or a Catafalque, memorials can be found scattered throughout the world, serving as a physical reminder of history and loss. Although almost always memorials are made after tragic events, viewing them can help in processing grief and finding a sense of closure. Even leading to biological responses that aid in emotional healing.     Frequently, memorials are used as a place of remembrance. Many memorials are located in very quiet and open areas which helps to relax the nervous system and evoke feelings of reflection within the mind. The feeling of reflection in a dedicated space may help people confront and process their grief in a healthy way, fostering emotional healing.     Additionally, memorials also can serve as very useful educational tools. Even though textbooks are capable of providing all the facts of a historical event, they’re only able to do so in a linear fashion. While, a memorial is able to provide more insight into these historical events by providing a sort of emotional context behind these events. By combining the information of textbooks and memorials we are able to gain a more nuanced understanding of these events. For example, the Vietnam war memorial, which I've personally visited (and is pictured below), is capable of capturing the sheer magnitude of loss of the war. Viewing a memorial like this one elicits a strong emotional response helping to connect the viewer to the war in a way a textbook never could.

    Memorials are more than just structures, they bridge the emotional and physical aspects of grief, helping people navigate their feelings, gain a better understanding of history, and find peace in moving forward.