What is the primary goal of a memorial service?

The primary goal of a memorial service is to honor the memory of the deceased without their remains present. This type of service provides an opportunity for family, friends, and other loved ones to gather, share memories, and celebrate the life of the person who has passed away. It emphasizes remembrance and reflection, allowing attendees to express their grief and support one another, while focusing on the deceased’s life and legacy rather than the physical aspect of the body itself.

While conducting a religious ceremony may occur in specific memorial services, it is not the central focus of all memorials, as these ceremonies can be secular as well. Finalizing a will and distributing possessions are legal and practical matters that occur outside of a memorial service context and do not pertain to the ceremonial aspect of honoring someone’s memory. Thus, the correct option highlights the essence of what a memorial service aims to achieve.