Thanks! Yes, as an aside, Omega Psi Phi does have some beautiful songs--both melodies and lyrics. This is not simply an Omega man bragging. I've heard other Greeks(esp. women!:)) say the same. One of things that draws people to our Memorial Services is the singing of our hymn,"Omega Dear', which is the last thing we do. It is a beautiful and moving hymn with crisp, meaningful lyrics and a haunting melody. Yes, not only Langston Hughes, but Dr. Charles Drew, the man most responsible for the development of the use of blood plasma in WWII and a great surgeon/educator and Dr. W. Mercer Cook, Professor of French at Howard Univ. and Ambassador to Senegal (of whom it was said that he spoke English with a French accent!),wrote this song when they were undergrads at Amherst College.

"Que Psi Phi til the day I die!"

It was past in Denver last year ( along with changes to the public and private Ritual books ) although it was pretty much in place unofficially for as long as I can remember.

I think I may have seen one of these. I lost a very good SAE friend in college and the brothers performed a ceremony during the memorial service...it was very touching and really showed how close the chapter had become. Still get goosebumps when I think of that time...

LXA has a Memorial Service that is one of our "open" Rituals. It can be performed as it's own service (for example, the chapter members and other greek members and family, apart from the funeral), or, it can be done during the funeral, or at a graveside service.

It is really up to the family to determine where it would be appropriate.

I've seen it done once at a funeral, and I've participated in one that was done at an on-campus chapel, but was separate from the family's events.

It's short and simple, and reminds all of us to strive for the best in life, for life can be fleeting.