A FINAL FRONTIER
Neil Armstrong was “on board” when the decision was made relative to the disposition of his bodily remains. One might have assumed that this former astronaut would want a portion of his cremated particles to be encapsulated in a container attached to a rocket during a scheduled space mission. Although a number of astrologically or astronomically oriented folks have taken that route, it’s an expensive way to “go out with a blast.” Sub-orbital and orbital services for end-of-life purposes are available for anyone willing to spend big bucks to head toward far reaches of the cosmos in minimized form.
Neil Armstrong was “on board” when the decision was made relative to the disposition of his bodily remains. One might have assumed that this former astronaut would want a portion of his cremated particles to be encapsulated in a container attached to a rocket during a scheduled space mission. Although a number of astrologically or astronomically oriented folks have taken that route, it’s an expensive way to “go out with a blast.” Sub-orbital and orbital services for end-of-life purposes are available for anyone willing to spend big bucks to head toward far reaches of the cosmos in minimized form.
Alternatively, this pioneer
– whose “one small step” upon the moon’s surface signified “one giant leap for
mankind” – chose to embrace connotation within an earthly domain. Before joining the NASA program
and carrying out space missions, he had served in the Navy. An initial plunge into a Naval ROTC
program while in college led to full immersion in his role during the Korean
War – as a fighter pilot while stationed aboard an aircraft carrier in the Sea
of Japan. Water was always pivotal
to his work, whether he was completing missions in a plane or heading back to
earth in a spacecraft. Upon
returning from extraterrestrial odysseys, direct contact with it meant that he had arrived home.
Knowing that, one might have
assumed there would be a full-body sea burial by way of a Naval ship. For this, a metal casket is prepared
according to specifications that dictate boring of holes in the bottom,
weighting with concrete, and wrapping with heavy bands. Burials for veterans take place during regular
missions, at which time a military ceremony is conducted and the casket that
rests upon a conveyor apparatus is advanced over the ship’s side and into the water. Ocean burials in similar fashion are
available through maritime businesses as well.
But the unassuming and
private man who shunned celebrity opted for a less conspicuous exodus. Instead of a widely heralded and
televised “splashdown” like those so familiar to him in the past, Armstrong’s
final journey to the ocean floor took place quietly in the absence of
media. His wife along with a Naval
officer simply dropped the urn containing Neil’s cremated remains over the side
of a Naval aircraft carrier – in a manner available to most all folks who at
some time were members of the Armed Forces. A restrained and succinct ceremony included remarks by a
Navy chaplain, three volleys fired in tribute from a firing squad, and the
playing of "Taps." An
American flag was folded according to tradition and presented to his wife.
The day before, a memorial
service had been attended by about 1500 people in the Washington National
Cathedral, where a stained glass window contains part of a moon rock the Apollo
11 crew brought back to earth.
Here is where this hero’s stellar life was recognized through meaningful
tributes. Excerpts from a speech delivered by President John F. Kennedy fifty
years ago alluded to the American rationale for moon exploration. Diana Krall sang Bart Howard’s “Fly Me To The Moon” as a reiteration
of a rendition sung by her at the Smithsonian Institute in 2009 on the fortieth
anniversary of the moon landing.
The service was broadcast via NASA’s television station.
This was one of the
universe’s most storied planet-trotting explorers. Certainly, his ultimate ending warranted far more
attention and pomp. But as a
pre-planner he had made his voice heard.
His wishes came to fruition in a way that was appropriate for him,
untarnished by observances bespeaking societal expectations.
And, in the end, relevance
was achieved not only in terms of connecting with this trailblazer’s role in American history,
but also by reflecting his characteristically humble persona. Through commonplace measures, symbolism
and significance prevailed.
