Athenian funerals, much like funerals today, the funeral and eulogy are to comfort the living, not the dead. They are used to remind the audience the accomplishments of the fallen, emphasizing the glory won when they went down fighting for their country (Thucydides 4). There is an also an aspect of responsibility given to the survivors of the fallen, to "...realize the power of Athens... till love of her fills your heart" (4). To honor the warriors that sacrificed themselves for Athens, so should you sacrifice yourselves for her.
There are a lot of military retirees and active members in my town. When they pass, there are multiple ceremonies carried out in honor of their service. According to the website for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Public Law 106-55 requires that every eligible Veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps" (link at bottom). In both the Athenians' case and in the U.S's case, funerals for members of the armed forces are both extremely revered and important. They are for the families, for their countries, and for their honor. Additionally, if the deceased was a Christian, it is a celebration of both the honor they gained in life and the reward they are gaining in heaven right now.
Additionally, modern funerals also challenge the survivors to honor the memories of the fallen, just in different ways. By the time my family finished our first year of settling in Daleville (where we have lived for the last five years), my dad had performed at least 30 funerals. My dad views every funeral as one of the most heartfelt ministries someone can perform. People from all walks come to funerals, many looking for hope in a dark place. This might be the only time that they are able to hear the gospel, at an extremely crucial point in their lives. When a pastor performs a funeral, his challenge to the people is to go to God with your troubles, and he will bring you rest (Matthew 11:28).
I commented on Haley Riddle's and Hailey Morgan's posts.
PS. My computer kinda glitched on the comments so they are under the name AP Lang Blog- Jamie Peters.
I really loved this, especially how you clarified it is for the living. Because in it he doesn't address every fallen member but speaks of the living Athenians and the great things they have done. Also, funerals really are a great way to remind ourselves of someone who has passed and learn from their experience. An idea i head of is having small celebrations and treating a funeral like a final birthday party. Some gurus say laughter can be a sign of insanity or enlightenment so with that in mind its interesting to make some fun in what may seem to be a dark moment.
ReplyDeleteI love how much respect is shown in funerals of those who served. Obviously every funeral is meant for paying respect to the deceased, but it is even more evident when the deceased was a soldier.
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