Honor Thy Father and Mother

So, this is the first post I've done in a while. Sorry.

I'm writing today about Ancestor Worship. Most of you out there practice ancestor worship, whether you realize it or not. It is a part of our culture, as Americans. It is also ingrained in the cultures of many other nations around the world. The Japanese come to mind immediately, Mexicans have an entire holiday. We all think highly of our lost loved ones, sometimes to the point of denying their flaws. Let me explain what Ancestor Worship is not. It is not praising your ancestors as gods. It is not praying to your ancestors. It is not asking favors of them. Ancestor Worship is none of these things.
Here's what it is. Ancestor Worship is a fulfillment of family responsibility, including care for remains, observance of the departed's wishes, and acknowledgment of the departed's wisdom. For example, I praise my father, who passed on many years ago. When I remember my father, I honor his memory, and I do what I think he would be proud of. When I carry his ashes, I pay them the proper respect. My father was not just a body to be cremated after his death. He lived on, in some other form. His remains, in whatever form they take, are still treated with proper respect. I honor my father, and call upon the lessons he taught me to help me get through the trials I may face every day.
As I said before, Ancestor Worship is practiced by many people. On Mother's Day, if your mother or grandmother has passed on, you would visit her grave, and bring flowers. On Christmas, during your dinner prayer, you thank God for taking care of your lost loved ones. Even acknowledging a dead relative's birthday is enough. Anyway, despite its name, Ancestor Worship has very little to do with Spirituality and Belief. But it's part of what I practice.