March 11

National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day

Take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work of funeral directors and morticians on National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day!

Yearly Date
March 11
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

It's time to recognize and honor the important work of funeral directors and morticians on National Funeral Director & Mortician Recognition Day on March 11! This day is a celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to helping families cope with loss. Funeral Directors have been around since ancient times, providing vital services that help preserve memories and bring comfort during difficult times. Morticians are also essential in preparing bodies for burial or cremation according to cultural customs. Today we thank them for their compassionate service and hard work!

National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day Timeline

1800s
Early Funeral Homes
Funeral homes began to appear in the U.S. during the 19th century, often as family-run businesses, helping families take care of the deceased.
1864
Embalming Surge
The Civil War increased the need for embalming practices so soldiers could be returned home for burial.
1895
First Mortuary Science School
The Cincinnati College of Embalming was established as the first mortuary science school in the US, highlighting the increasing professionalism of the industry.
1960
Hospice Movement
The modern hospice movement began transforming end-of-life care, leading to changes in the role of funeral directors and morticians.
1984
NFDA Code of Ethics
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) established a formal code of ethics, further professionalizing the industry.
2008
Recognition Day Established
The National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day was established to honor the contributions of these professionals to society.

How to Celebrate National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day

1

Send a thank you note

Show your appreciation by sending a handwritten thank you note to your local funeral director or mortician. A small gesture of gratitude can go a long way in letting these individuals know how much their services are valued.

2

Host a dinner

Invite your local funeral directors and morticians to a dinner to thank them for their hard work and dedication to their profession. You could even make the dinner theme related to funerals, such as “A Night at the Cemetery”.

3

Make a donation

Honor your local funeral directors and morticians by making a donation in their name to a charitable organization of your choice. This is an excellent way to recognize their valuable contributions without breaking the bank.

4

Organize a fundraiser

If you have the time and resources, organize a fundraiser in honor of funeral directors and morticians on National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. You could even make it an annual event!

5

Give out awards

Recognize outstanding funeral directors and morticians with awards for excellence in their field. This will show them that their hard work does not go unnoticed.

Why National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day is Important

A

They provide an essential service

Funeral directors and morticians provide an essential service to their community. They are responsible for handling tasks related to the process of a person’s death, from making funeral arrangements to carrying out the necessary legal paperwork. Without them, many families would be overwhelmed during an already difficult time.

B

They listen to family needs

Funeral directors and morticians go above and beyond just taking care of the administrative and logistics tasks related to a person’s passing. They spend time getting to know the family’s needs and create personalized services that honor their loved one’s life.

C

They give families closure

The loss of a loved one is always hard, but when handled with care and compassion by funeral directors and morticians, it can help bring closure for the family in a time of grief. The professionals have the experience necessary to handle the details so that families can focus on saying goodbye in a meaningful way.

National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 10
Friday
2024
Mar 10
Sunday
2025
Mar 10
Monday
2026
Mar 10
Tuesday
2027
Mar 10
Wednesday