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The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin

The Valle de los Caídos honours those who fell in the Spanish Civil War

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. Popular forms of memorials include landmark objects or art objects such as sculptures, statues or fountains (and even entire parks).

The most common type of memorial is the gravestone. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. Memorials in the form of a cross are called intending crosses.

Online Memorials and tributes are becoming increasingly popular. Online tributes and memorials create a way for family and friends from various countries to interact and share memories and photographs. This is becoming more and more popular as it provides a private space that can be easily reflected upon at any time.

When somebody has died, the family may request that a memorial gift (usually money) be given to a designated charity, or that a tree be planted in memory of the person.

Sometimes, when a high school student has died, the memorials are placed in the form of a scholarship, to be awarded to high-achieving students in future years.

[edit] See also

• Historical marker
• List of memorials
• List of U.S. National Memorials
• Monument
• National memorial
• National monument
• War memorial
• Roadside memorial
• Ghost bike