Memorial Awards

Award EFX
Award EFX
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read
Memorial Awards & Plaques

Throughout history, men and women of note have gone to great lengths to influence how they would be remembered after their deaths. Some have constructed impressive monuments, others have given large sums of money to philanthropic causes. Indeed, most of us seek meaning in life by means of achievements which will continue after we are gone; these can include anything from raising a family to bringing about societal change, or from producing notable artistic or literary works to setting new standards in athletic or sporting disciplines. When an individual’s achievements are held to be significant by their peers after their passing, their name may come to represent their accomplishments and the values they stood for.

Memorial awards and plaques are an appropriate way to remember those who have made a special contribution to a community, an organization, or to society in general. Every time we see a memorial award, we are invited to reflect on the endeavours and sacrifices of the celebrated individual, to the end that we can draw upon their inspiration and apply their qualities in our own lives.

It is a tradition among organizations such as the armed forces, as well as many clubs and societies, for a trophy or plaque to be presented to the family or associates of a deceased member who made a significant contribution to the cause. This is sometimes accompanied by the installation or unveiling of a monument, such as a wall plaque, in a relevant public place. Such a memorial award is a symbol of esteem and respect, and will likely become a treasured reminder of that one to those who were closest to them.

Other memorial awards are those presented in recognition of certain successes or accomplishments, which are named after a relevant figure from the same field of endeavour. For example, a company may recognize their ‘employee of the month’ with an award named after the founder; a football league might name their trophy for the top goal scorer each year after an iconic player of the past; sometimes bodies are set up to make awards in the memory of well known philanthropists and public figures in celebration of their legacy — notable examples include the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and the Diana Award.

Associating memorial trophies with exemplary figures in this way makes them more than just prizes. They come to signify something deeper, a connection with the individual and their life’s work. The recipients of such awards are seen as perpetuating a tradition, adding to a legacy.

What form should such an award take? Any memorial trophy is an opportunity for designers to produce a unique and deeply personal item, often using materials and forms which represent the activities or qualities with which the eponymous party is associated. Here at EFX, we can work with you to create a piece which will be both a fitting legacy for the deceased individual and a symbol of achievement for the recipient. Read more about our bespoke awards here.

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