> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.virtualmemorialguide.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.virtualmemorialguide.org/memorial-elements/opening/formal-start.md). # Formal start & invocation ## Purpose This is the formal beginning of the event. It is a moment to draw everyone’s attention to the proceedings and help set the emotional tone (contemplative, appreciative, grateful, empathetic). Begin honoring the person you are celebrating. ## Ideas Below are some ideas about what you can do during the invocation. Get Creative!\ \ **Step 1: call people’s attention** * Ring a bell, or play some sort of resonant sound that lasts more than a few seconds **Step 2: shift their emotions / shift the state of consciousness** * Request a moment of silence * Guided meditation * Lighting a candle, or other symbolic gesture. * Prayer * [Serenity Prayer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer) * Add your own --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://tools.virtualmemorialguide.org/memorial-elements/opening/formal-start.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.