Honoring a Legacy: How to Create Meaningful Memorial Recognition for Employees and Leaders

Nov 3rd 2025

For over 30 years, Awarding You has helped organizations mark moments of achievement, dedication, and service. Few forms of recognition carry the weight and importance of a Memorial Tribute. It is a profound act—one that honors a life and contribution while reinforcing the core values of an organization.

At Awarding You, our tenured team in sales and production understands that memorial recognition is more than just a product; it's about preserving a legacy. We pride ourselves on guiding our clients not only to the right physical tribute but also to the most fitting and heartfelt messaging.

Here is our expert guide on crafting a truly lasting memorial recognition.

Why Memorial Recognition Matters: Preserving Culture and Inspiring Futures

When an organization recognizes an individual who has passed away, it sends a powerful message to all current and future staff: This company values the people who build it.

Based on our experience, memorial recognition generally falls into two categories, each requiring a slightly different approach:

A Tribute to Family and Friends: This is where a plaque, crystal award, or specially commissioned custom item is presented to the honoree's immediate family. These tributes typically commemorate the person's specific impact, tenure, or character, offering the family a beautiful, permanent keepsake.
An Enduring Inspirational Award: These tributes are created to honor the values of the deceased by recognizing future members who embody those same qualities. The award is often named after the honoree (e.g., “The Jane Doe Leadership Award”), establishing them as an enduring role model.

Choosing the Right Physical Tribute: Awards as Lasting Symbols

The physical product you choose should reflect the gravity and permanence of the recognition. Our team specializes in customizing these tributes to ensure they are unique and appropriate for the context.

Award Type

Why It Works for Memorial Recognition

Awarding You Product Ideas

Plaques & Wall Displays

Ideal for permanent, highly visible locations like office lobbies, hallways, or memorial gardens. Offers a traditional surface for comprehensive messaging.

Black Piano Plaques, Full Color American Flag Plaques, Custom Cast Metal Plaques

Crystal & Glass Awards

Perfect for presentation to family members. The clarity, weight, and timeless elegance symbolize respect, reverence, and the enduring nature of the honoree's impact.

Standing Cut Crystal Cross, Demeter Blue Crystal Torch Award, Mirador Black Crystal Award

Specialty & Service Pieces

Used for specific tributes, such as long-term service or military background. Often placed in a home or private office.

Rosewood Flag Display Case, American Flag Acrylic Award

The Heart of the Tribute: Our Ready-to-Use Wording Guide

We've put our most successful and heartfelt memorial wording options right here. This guide is a quick reference for your team to begin drafting a message that truly resonates.

Wording Option Focus

Recommended Engraving Text (Customize to Fit Your Needs)

Key Message

Service and Impact

Organization Name / In Grateful Recognition of / Honoree Name / Date(s) / For the Significant Impact She/He Has Made to Improve ____. / We will never forget.

Acknowledges specific contributions and promises remembrance.

Tenure and Wisdom

In Memory of / Honoree Name / Who Faithfully Served / Organization Name / For over 40 Years / We are Forever Grateful For your Wisdom and Guidance / Date

Emphasizes long-term dedication, loyalty, and the quality of their advice.

Dedication and Commitment

We Will Forever Miss Our Dear Friend / Honoree Name / Whose Dedication and Commitment To Organization Name / Was Unsurpassed. / The Impact You Made Here Will Be Felt For Many Generations. / Date

A highly emotional, heartfelt tribute focusing on character and lasting influence.

Leadership and Friendship

In Memory of / Honoree Name / Title of Organization / Date Range / Your Leadership, Wisdom, And Friendship Has Left a Significant Impression on Our Organization. / We are Better Because of Your Efforts. / Date

Suitable for honoring former leaders, directors, or mentors, highlighting personal relationships.

Awarding You: Your Partner in Honoring a Life

Creating a memorial tribute is a solemn responsibility, and it's one you don't have to handle alone. Our deep experience and dedicated team ensure that every detail—from the weight of the award to the placement of a comma in the engraving—is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

If your organization is planning a memorial dedication, contact our team today. We will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect product and drafting the powerful, meaningful message that your honoree and their family deserve.