How to Create a Memorial Website for a Soldier

Creating a memorial website for soldiers or a veteran is a powerful way to honor their service and sacrifice. 

It’s a way to keep their memory alive and to share their story with others. It’s not just about the facts and dates of their life, but also about who they were as a person, their beliefs, and what they stood for. 

By creating a memorial website, you’re not just honoring the soldier, but also their family, friends, and fellow soldiers who knew them. It’s a way to keep their legacy alive and to make sure that future generations will remember their sacrifice. 

So, if you’re thinking about creating a memorial website for a fallen soldier, know that it is a noble and meaningful thing to do.

Example of a Memorial Website for a Soldier with Murial

To give you a picture of how a memorial website for a soldier could be, take a look at this example created with Murial: Bruce Davis, Forever a Hero

If you like that page as an example of a memorial website for your loved ones who were a soldier, we will take inspiration from it. 

We will break it down so that you can take examples and create your own!

Start by Gathering Photos

Before we start creating a memorial website for your loved ones who were a soldier, start gathering all of their photos. Ask around to his friends if possible, and collect as many as you can!

Organizing all of the pictures of your friend is a great starting point, as it will allow you to recall some of the significant moments. 

This will help you to decide what to include on the memorial website and which aspects of their life and story to focus on.

You can store all of the pictures in a specific album on your phone, making it easy to upload them all at once later on.

What to Write

Give an Overview. Summarize Their Personality

When it comes to creating a memorial website, setting the tone from the start is important. Grief can be a lot to handle, so it’s best to write it one step at a time.

To begin, write a little summary or overview of your loved ones who were a soldier. This will give people who visit the website a sense of who they were and what made them special. 

Include something meaningful about them that stands out to you.

For example 

Bruce Davis, Forever a Hero

Bruce Davis was a soldier and veteran who served his country with honor and distinction. He was a brave and dedicated individual who always put the needs of others before his own. He was a true patriot, who loved his country and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for it.

Background story

You want to honor and remember their service and what they’ve done for the country. Do you know their motivations? Why did they choose the path to serve the country? 

On the other hand, it also is not strictly required to write purely just about their background of why they’re getting into the military.

You can also start by sharing their birthplace and their childhood story as well.That can add a more personal and meaningful understanding of your loved one as a person.

For example

Bruce’s Been Energetic and Brave since a kid

Bruce was born in a small town in the Midwest, where he spent his childhood playing sports and being outdoors. He had a passion for adventure and was always eager to explore new places and try new things. Growing up, he was known for his determination and his ability to never give up, no matter how difficult the task.

Their rank, division or the branch of service

Research the different ranks, divisions, and branches of service in the military so you can accurately describe your friend’s role and responsibilities.

Ask the friends if you can. You might find an interesting story about it! Make sure to proofread the information to avoid any inaccuracies.

Example:

Inspiring Leader

When he was 18, Bruce decided to join the military. He was drawn to the sense of camaraderie and purpose that came with serving his country. He enlisted in the Army and was eventually assigned to the Special Forces, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was known for his leadership skills and his ability to inspire his fellow soldiers.

Stories of Their Heroic Actions

Stories such as your loved one’s heroic actions or achievements during the military service.

Try to remember the specific details that made these moments special to them. What happened? Did they ever share why they do it? 

Keep in mind that achievements are not necessarily limited only to their military service. They were a soldier, but let’s say they are also a kind person who helped communities or other fellow veterans a lot too. 

That is also a great achievement for your loved one to remember.

For example

Tough yet full of compassion and caring

He was known for his leadership and courage under fire, always putting the safety of his men first.

After several deployments, Bruce was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and given command of his own unit. He led his men through some of the toughest battles of the war and earned the respect and admiration of everyone who served under him.

Notable accomplishments or awards

If your loved one has received any medals, be sure to write about it! 

Not everyone knows about the medal so a bit of explanation of why it was awarded would also be wonderful writing in honoring your loved ones who were a soldier.

Example:

Earned a Meritorious Service Medal 

With several achievements under his belt, Bruce decided to retire from the army, but not before receiving a Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service. He returned home to his family and friends, proud of the sacrifices he had made and the role he had played in protecting his country.

Personal Stories

Include their favorite activities, places to visit, and interests. These things can tell a lot about the person’s character and personality.

You can write about the specific outdoor activities that your friend loved, such as hiking, fishing or hunting, and what made them special. If they had a favorite vacation spot or destination, you can mention that as well.

If they had a favorite hobby or activity, such as woodworking, gardening, or photography, you can write about how they got into it and how it brought them joy and fulfillment.

Example:

One Thing Bad About Bruce, His Poor Dad Jokes

Bruce Davis may have been a tough soldier, but he always had a witty remark on hand. He was known for saying “I may be retired from the army, but I’m always ready for combat… in the kitchen” #BruceDavisJokes” His two daughters loved his dry dad jokes.

Your Parting Message

Writing a farewell message can be tough, but it’s important to take your time and make sure you’re expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic. 

This is the person’s life and their impact. Share the memories which hold special meaning for you.

Don’t feel like you have to use fancy words or poetic phrases, just speak from the heart. Share anecdotes or stories that you remember fondly. It’s okay to be emotional, it’s a natural part of the grieving process.

Example:

Thank You For Your Service Dad!

Dear Dad, you were always my rock and my guiding light. I will never forget your unwavering strength and courage, both on and off the battlefield. You taught me to be resilient and to never give up, even in the face of adversity. You may be gone but your legacy lives on in me and in all those whose lives you touched. I love you always and forever. Your proud daughter.

Upload a Compilation of Videos

Though your friend is a veteran or former soldier, the video doesn’t mean it should all need to be military-themed. It’s totally just as meaningful if you share more about them as a person.

Think of what message you’d like to share through the video, and make the most fitting video compilation towards the end!

Ask Others to Share Tributes and Memories

One of the most favorite features of a memorial website is its tribute wall or guestbook. In it, visitors can leave a comment or tribute on the memorial website.

Invite your friends, or the deceased friend’s family to share their tributes! Get people to comment and post their memories of your friend. Especially useful if your loved one’s friends are spread far away in different countries or states.

In Murial, we have Loveboard and Lovekit as features to express your love. Share the page with your social media accounts. Ask them to share enrich your loved one’s memorial page by sharing their memories!

Don’t Forget to Add Music

If you know your loved one’s favorite music, that might be a great idea to include it in the memorial website! Pick music that is fitting to your loved one’s personality. 

If it’s a national anthem, so be it!

End of Article

Honoring a veteran or soldier with a memorial website is meaningful because it allows us to remember and pay our respects to those who have made sacrifices in the service of their country. 

The website can serve as a way to commemorate the life and contributions of the individual, as well as to educate others about their service and the sacrifices they made. 

It can provide a space for family and friends to share their memories and reflections and to connect with others who knew and loved the veteran or soldier. A way to keep the memory of the soldier alive in an interactive and meaningful way!