03 Jul Fireworks filled memorials
UPDATED 2/23/18: Unfortunately, at this time both of the U.S. suppliers mentioned are no longer offering the service. We will provide an update if we become aware of a new source.
I have been fascinated by fireworks all of my life. I even attempted a science fair project to create fireworks but the school turned down my submission due the “explosive nature” of the project. But I never thought about combining my enthusiasm for fireworks with my role as a funeral director involved with cremation. At least not until now.
Independence Day goes hand-in-hand with fireworks displays. Millions of Americans make plans, pack picnic baskets, show up early and then impatiently wait until the sun goes down and the sky lights up with colorful explosions. But some families are now taking this same approach to celebrate the life of their cremated loved one.
Most of us relate fireworks to celebrations (4th of July, New Years, major sporting events). So it should not be surprising that some people are now associating fireworks with celebrating the end of a life. In fact, they take it a step further and incorporate a loved one’s remains into a fireworks celebration.
Personalized memorials are increasing in popularity as family members and friends step away from traditional funeral services and opt for personalized remembrances. For those that choose cremation, the options are extensive. Many of the commonly known options are cremation diamonds, cruise ship scatterings and blown glass art. But cremation fireworks are also legitimate option.
Companies such as Heavens Above and Angels Flight and Heavenly Stars Fireworks all provide memorial displays. The companies take a small amount of remains and incorporate them into the building of the fireworks. Depending on the family’s wishes, they can have a professionally launched display or choose to purchase memorial fireworks that can be launched themselves.
Companies, such as Angels Flight outside of Los Angeles, California, offer a complete package including taking family members on a yacht to have their memorial service and then watch as the fireworks display is launched over the water. The prices are right in line with many traditional funeral services with prices starting at $4,250 to watch the display on the beach to $5,500 from a yacht. Just like most personalized memorials after cremation, the options are vast.
So how do you wish to be memorialized? Whether it is for yourself or your loved one, if you want something truly unique and special, take the time to let others know. aCremation is an ideal provider for those considering the non-traditional memorials as we provide the cremation service and then return the cremated remains so the family can coordinate the memorial in their own unique way.
Katherine O'Rourke
Posted at 17:08h, 04 SeptemberI am trying to find a company to incorporate my sons ashes into fireworks. Can you advise? Thank you.
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 08:55h, 06 SeptemberTwo companies you might check with are Angels Flight and Heaven Above.
Kelley Ewing
Posted at 17:02h, 09 AprilI am also curious about a company that could do this. The ones listed above are either in the UK or California and the CA one only does major displays. We are looking to just have a bit of the remains incorporated into a firework or 2. Do you know of a place in the US that can do that?
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 18:23h, 16 SeptemberUnfortunately, I am not aware of another. We will definitely post the information if we become aware of one.
dee white
Posted at 13:55h, 21 AugustAngel’s Flight has gone out of business. Are there any other companies in the US?
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 18:06h, 16 SeptemberUnfortunately, I am not aware of any companies providing the service in the United States at this time. We will keep looking for another source.
Lupe Vela
Posted at 13:15h, 04 NovemberWhere exactly in the Marina do guests look from the beach and how many are allow on the Yacht ?
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 09:53h, 28 NovemberThank you for your questions. The number of guests allowed on the boat depends on the company and varies widely. Depending on the restrictions the scattering would likely be done too far off shore for guests to easily see.
Stephanie
Posted at 11:59h, 01 DecemberHello, I am in need of guidance. I am wanting to order self fire fireworks with my mom’s ashes but am running into trouble. I live in the US and the only company listed there is Angel Flight, which is now out of business. I contacted Heavenly Stars and Heavens Above, but they said they can’t ship to the US. Is there any chance you know of another company located in the US that can help? I have already sent out the invitations for her Celebration of Life party to take place on her birthday in January which mentions the fireworks…help!
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 13:03h, 15 DecemberUnfortunately, since we published the blog a few years ago, the company has gone out of business. At this time, I’m not aware of another US-based company offering this service.
Tal Allen
Posted at 08:03h, 18 MayThe company I work for J&M Displays Inc in Iowa can provide the this type of service. We have the ability to do this through out the U.S. I can be contacted to assist anyone. Thank you
Robert Mills
Posted at 22:01h, 13 SeptemberHello Tal,
I would be very interested in hearing more about your companies offerings in regards to firework displays that incorporate human ashes. Please let me know what services you offer and I would be happy to discuss with you further.
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 09:38h, 18 OctoberI have been contacted by a company in Iowa that says they are now offering to create fireworks with cremation remains, however, we do not have personal experience with them so I can not provide a personal recommendation. They are called J&M Displays if you would like to reach out to them directly.
Judy Hale
Posted at 07:12h, 13 MayWith the movie “POMS” and the celebration of Martha’s passing , I believe there will be a high demand for such a service at a reasonable price in the United States . I am approaching the age where I need to have plans in place. And research is coming up with no United States alternatives .
Mary Beth Barnett
Posted at 07:34h, 13 MayThe movie was very sweet and I wondered if anyone would inquire about this service. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was contacted by a company in Iowa that says they will do it but we do not have direct experience with them. They are called J&M Displays if you would like to reach out to them directly.
Patricia Lee Miles
Posted at 05:30h, 25 SeptemberI am most interested in receiving information about companies within the U.S. who may become available for this kind of fireworks display of ashes for myself. Please add my name your newsletter for any future information.