Death is a natural part of life and a universal human experience that touches everyone at some point in their lives. To acknowledge the deceased and to pay one’s last homage, most gather during the funeral to inevitably say their last goodbyes.
However, some circumstances may not allow family, friends or loved ones to personally attend, and for this reason alone, Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers in Indianapolis is now offering memorial services through Web casting.
It’s no longer mandatory for people to physically be in attendance to pay their last respects. The proper Web cast equipment is set up during the ceremony and streams the live feed to its viewers.
Jerrit L. Clayton, senior vice president of Flanner and Buchanan, says this innovation offers peoplegreat opportunity.
“Families and friends are scattered — often around the world — and at times of grief and loss, their absence is keenly felt by those left behind,” Clayton said. “It’s our goal to help everyone come together to celebrate the life of their loved one, and find comfort.”
Clayton says since Flanner and Buchanan began extending this service three months ago, there have been several families who’ve utilized the Web cast with great success bringing families together who simply can’t attend.
With the brisk pace of the today’s society, it seems time slows down for no one, and essentially, a source who prefers to remain unidentified says this creation acts as a disservice to families and to the deceased.
“I think it’s too impersonal. The whole point of attendance at a funeral is to pay respect and part of that is maybe an inconvenience to one’s self,” the source said. “To participate through some Web cast removes the dignity that is part of the service of a funeral and I think it denigrates the respect that you show.”
Previous formalities are being altered with families and friends in different regions of the world and with new technologies suggesting otherwise.
Curtis Rostad, executive director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, says this innovation may be very valuable for those who simply have no way of attending.
“I think in some cases it could be very practical especially for Americans in the service, for those who are incapacitated in places such as nursing homes or people whose schedules don’t allow for time off,” Rostad said. “All of those people could possibly benefit from watching the service online.”
Flanner and Buchanan offers Web casting for $200, which includes your choice of viewing sites where friends and family can gather to watch the service. You have to have a computer to view the feed.
“Historically, entire communities came together to honor the life of the deceased and share their grief,” said Clayton. “In the 21st century, we’re finding family and friends have situations that often prevent them from joining such a gathering. Now, with the Web casting technology, Flanner and Buchanan can unite them once again.”
However, Rostad expresses concern stating the immediate family doesn’t receive that same comfort and support if people opt to utilize Web cast.
“Funerals serve a purpose of bringing us together,” Rostad said. “By doing it electronically it takes away that opportunity for the person viewing the video.”
Clayton says he sees no drawbacks with the Web casting.
“I only see disappointment for someone who absolutely can’t be there,” Clayton said. “However, at least there is some enjoyment because the Internet allows them to view the ceremony.”
Flanner and Buchanan says for family and friends convenience and for places with no computers, the service can be recorded and within 30 minutes the feed will post to the Internet for people to log onto the Web site and watch the funeral.
For additional information call (317) 387-7000 or visit the Web site at www.flannerbuchanan.com.
