Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino is set to deliver the keynote address at a U.S. flag retirement ceremony on June 8 at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock. The event, scheduled for 1 p.m., will be conducted in partnership with Southgate VFW Post 9283 and attended by representatives from 21 Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Wayne County.

Bellino, who represents Monroe, expressed his honor in participating: “The U.S. flag is a living symbol of freedom here and around the world — representing one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. We owe it to everyone who has protected that freedom to treat the flag with respect.”

The public is encouraged to attend, particularly veterans and their families. A procession with police escort will lead participants from the Southgate VFW Hall to the funeral home. Denise Tucker will serve as emcee for the event.

Attendees can expect patriotic musical performances featuring “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and a medley of U.S. armed forces anthems. The ceremony will conclude with a traditional military gun salute by the Downriver Honor Guard before moving to an on-site crematory where flags will be burned according to U.S. Flag Code guidelines.

Craig Roe, general manager of Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, emphasized their role: “We are indescribably proud to assist the VFW in honorably retiring the most important symbol of our nation, our flags, when they are no longer serviceable.” Following the ceremony, a reception with refreshments will be held.

The Downriver Honor Guard consists of veteran volunteers providing military ceremonies at funerals and memorials in honor of all veterans.

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home's address is 30895 W. Huron River Drive in Flat Rock.