After someone passes away, their obituary serves as a way to remember them, honor them, and document some of the defining features of their life. Writing this memorial is an important task, and it can be difficult to know where to start, especially when writing about veterans. To help you send off a loved veteran, here are a few tips for writing a memorable obituary. 

3 Tips for Writing a Veteran's Obituary

1. Sort Through the Details

The first step to writing the most accurate and faithful obituary possible is to gather all the important information and ensure that it's accurate. If you're highlighting a loved one's time in the military, verify the timeframe they served during, the branch they were in, their rank upon leaving, and any special commendations or decorations they were awarded. Much of this information can be found in public military records, but you can also consult with any friends of theirs who served at the same time. If you can't find accurate information on an aspect of their career, it's best to leave it out.

2. Honor Their Perspective

Some people see their time in the military as a defining time of their life or among their greatest achievements; some don't talk about it much. And some recognize how their service shaped them but also view it through a critical lens. Whatever the case, it's crucial to honor the deceased's perspective on their experience. Write about how they felt about their service, how they told people about it, and how they prioritized it. 

You can also interview others who were close to the deceased to get their stories and perspective. These others may have unique information and insight to inform your writing. Maybe the deceased spent time advocating for increased resources for veterans, or maybe they directly provided support for others with similar experiences. If so, you may learn a lot from others' stories. Keep in mind that many people may not have the time or energy to answer questions while grieving. 

3. Find Good Examples

Once you have all the pieces of the story gathered, it's time to find examples that will inform and guide how you write the obituary. Read other people's writing about deceased veterans and take notes about what you like and what you don't. This exercise can also help you find new topics to write about and new angles to write from. You can even find templates online that are good for organizing information before filling in the details of stories and anecdotes. It's okay to write multiple versions before deciding on your favorite.

If you need help writing an obituary and preparing funeral services for a veteran, reach out to TP White & Sons Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH. This funeral home gives caring, specialized attention to each family that they work with during times of grief. Learn more about their funeral services online, and call (513) 231-7150 to discuss your needs.