A Book of Remembrance - Part IV

...It is a book of past, present and, to a degree, future because the past and present more often than not determine the future. The future can be seen by the light of our dreams and the book can be a haven for dreams.

We are dependent upon all of our progenitors for our very mortal existence. In the biological sense, we have inherited a place in life and a geographical location on earth from them. Many of them fought and won wars of freedom. Some pioneered new lands, conquering the desert, forest, mountain, and plain, while others were raised up out of economic slavery to give us the birth-right we enjoy today.

As family folklorists, genealogists, and researchers we have developed an interest in these ancestors. We need a way of compiling and storing the information on them that we find in our research. This book is one method.

A Book Of Remembrance is built around the life of the compiler and his family, nuclear and extended. It should contain the inspirational and important events of their daily lives, as well as life stories. It should also contain a record of one's progenitors. This is important since each generation is dependent on the preceding generations, and has a responsibility toward those who will follow.

Other items which could be included are personal record sheets, family group sheets, pedigree charts, and portrait essays. The story of one's life with pictures at various ages, and of schools, and churches is an important entry. People change as do buildings, and many times buildings are razed or lost to natural disasters, as are people.

Stories of one's ancestors and inspirational messages and poems are important inclusions. The book should express the personality of the compiler and contain the things that are important in his life. Precious things are extremely worthwhile additives. There is really no limit to what can be added as long as it will fit onto the pages and add to the purpose of the book.

Examples of some precious things that can be kept in a Book of Remembrance are:

Blessing and baptism certificates
Birth and marriage certificates
Scholastic achievements
Scouting activities

The copyright of the article A Book of Remembrance - Part IV in Folklore is owned by Virginia Marin. Permission to republish A Book of Remembrance - Part IV in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic