Famous Eulogies of the Famous People

In this era of globalization everything is public knowledge. Nowadays more then ever, with a simple click of the mouse we are connected in both our joy and our sorrows. And while a term celebrity is a relatively recent invention, by being exposed to humanitarians, politicians, rock stars and activists alike it is easy to feel sorrow if a person we have admired has passed away.

The example that comes to mind is the accidental and all too soon demise of the late princess Diana, that brought all of United Kingdom to a stand still for days. And who can forget Elton John’s musical tribute to her life? Grief does not discriminate and it can be equally difficult to write an eulogy for a person who has touched people across the globe. If you find yourself faced with a writer’s block, you can peruse eulogies given across the continents, to give yourself inspiration necessary to write an eulogy that is sincere and heartfelt rather then monotonous. And there are many ways of going about it.

Elton John gave a musical tribute to Princess Diana. John Cleese made a witty and distinctly profound tribute to his friend and colleague Graham Chapman, worthy of their Monthy Python days. Oprah Winfrey has written a beautiful eulogy as a tribute to Rosa Parks, explaining how this brave woman influenced her life and gave her strength to strive for more. Gandhi was remembered by his protege Jawaharlal Nehru, not by naming his accomplishments, but as a magnificent light that has shone upon India and will continue to shine even though Gandhi is gone. Nehru’s eulogy was a cry to stand united and remember the values Gandhi held dear. Robert F. Kennedy gave an eulogy for dr. Martin Luther King, an eulogy that was short, but poignant reminding Americans not to forget what Dr. King’s dream was – for them to stand united both black and white, regardless of their differences.

The examples are many, but what they all had in common is the fact that each eulogy in its own way touched the hearts of the people present. Remember that when setting about this sometimes difficult task, there is no right or wrong way. Speak from the heart and the eulogy will flow.