MONROE — More than 800 American flags were ceremonially retired recently by Merkle Funeral Service and its Covenant Cremation.
For the first time, the funeral home offered a flag retirement ceremony. It was open to all area veterans posts. Participating were Monroe Post 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Dundee Post 6462, VFW, and Erie Post 3925, VFW.
“It was such a great experience,” said Brian Merkle, funeral home owner.
“Noel Lipinski, director of funeral operations, and Robert Origel, family services assistant and certified crematory operator, processed by hearse to the local posts to be present for a ceremonial retiring at each post.”
Afterward, the team returned to the Merkle Funeral Service Erie location’s on-site crematory for the final dedication and flag retirement.
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Next year, Merkle is hoping for a bigger event.
“We plan to have more veterans posts involved and more of the community at large. We will receive retired flags at any Merkle Funeral Service location throughout the year,” Merkle said.