Philosophical Vegan Forum

After another tragic plane crash we have the usual aftermath of recovering bodies and bringing them "home to their loved ones." Is this uniquely a religious thing or would an atheist family also put such importance on recovering the body of a family member? Sometimes a ridiculous amount of funding is spent on the search and recovery of bodies.

I think it's mostly a religious thing. However, there might be some peace of mind that comes from knowing -- otherwise might one's loved one be stranded on some little island somewhere? Even unreasonable hope and uncertainty could be emotionally taxing.