Part 2 In Memoriam: Remembering Classmates at the Reunion

One of the hardest things about being a reunion planner is keeping the list of classmates who have passed on. You know they are gone, but you see them as they were - vibrant teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them.

You are not alone in this thought. You share the zeitgeist of the entire class - the collective spirit of your alma mater. Together you mourn the loss of even one classmate. And as you get older the numbers rise, and it gets more surreal. Therefore, it is very appropriate for you to create a tribute to those who have "moved on."

1. a special page on your website or class directory dedicated to their memory is appropriate.
2. a video montage or slide show on the website is appropriate.
3. if you have an online yearbook with the ability to write blog messages on the yearbook page, encourage classmates to write their memories of those who died in the blog.

I would not, however, suggest a video or slide show tribute DURING the reunion because it may irrevocably change the tone of party. Keep in mind, the reunion is a celebration of life and connection. "To every thing there is a season, a time to mourn" and a time to celebrate. Let your reunion be the latter.

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