Prior to beginning this class, the phenomenon of memorializing, as well as memorials themselves, had never caused me a second thought. I never thought of why they were created or why we interact with them the way that we do. However, after three weeks of in depth analysis, I find the act of creating memorials to be completely reflective of natural human tendencies.
Memory plays a chief role in the human need to create memorials. It is the tension caused by the fear of forgetting which drives the creation of many of these monuments. It is interesting to note that many memorials don't serve a purpose other than to help people heal and remember. Aside form living memorials, most memorials do not perform any utilitarian purpose. Despite this, people invest money and time into the creation of these sites. While their use may not be utilitarian, they serve a mental purpose in their ability to heal and help the visitor remember.
Another fascinating property of memorials, which reflects human tendencies, is the rituals associated with memorials. When leaving a gift for a fallen soldier at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the soldier will never really receive that gift. Instead, each offering gets funneled into a storage facility in Virginia. Why then do people feel the need to leave their treasures behind? Again, it helps the visitor to heal and to honor those they knew who have passed. The practice is not thought to be wasteful, but rather, a sign of respect and reverence.
It is human nature which explains America's infatuation with the creation of memorials. The popularity of such sites can be understood through the human tension derived from the fear of forgetting and the need to honor. The time and money invested in these sites are justified by the reactions of those who visit the memorials. The purpose of these places is healing and remembrance which American sentiments deem to be worth the investment.
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