Going Out With A Bang

Cremation is increasing in popularity. Currently more than 40 percent of people who die choose cremation, and the numbers are rising.

According to recent reports more than 50 percent of Americans will chose cremation by the end of this decade. I’ve noticed that trend in my practice as more and more of my clients choose cremation over burial.

With cremation comes the decision about what should be done with one’s cremated remains. In the past, keeping cremated remains in an urn, burying the remains, or scattering the ashes in a quiet spot were the only options. Things have changed as the popularity of cremation increases.

For example, a few years ago, I wrote about how Gene Roddenberry, who created the original Star Trek series, chose to have his cremated remains flown into space. A company called Celestis, Inc., which specializes in “memorial spaceflights,” made that happen. I also wrote about Ed Headrick, the inventor of the Frisbee, who had his ashes incorporated into making a limited number of “memorial flying discs.”

Recently I read about another option for cremated remains that seemed appropriate to share on Fourth of July. A company, called Angels Flight, will load cremated remains to firework shells and choreograph a fireworks display. Loved ones are then transported in a luxury yacht to a service site, where the fireworks are shot into the air, scattering the cremated remains into the ocean.

That’s one way to go out with a bang!