Flag Retirement Ceremony at DeJohn Funeral Homes 

May 10, 2021 by Staff Report

DeJohn Funeral Homes & Crematory is hosting its annual Flag Retirement & Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 2 p.m., at the DeJohn Funeral Homes & Celebrations Center, 12811 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

DeJohn Funeral Homes plans to honor a military veteran or service man/woman from every military conflict and war since World War II during the ceremony. If you know someone who has served that could participate in our ceremony, please call Melissa DeJohn Capretta at 440-516-5555.

DeJohn Funeral Homes is honored to remember those who have given their all to serve our country in the Armed Forces, Police, Fire and EMS services, so please be sure to include their name with the flag or come early so they can be added with the men and women being remembered.

Flags are currently being collected at each DeJohn Funeral Homes location in Willoughby Hills, Chesterland, Chardon and South Euclid.

“Flag Day gives us the opportunity to dedicate time to honor and recognize our veterans and active-duty service men and women that protect us and our freedom every day. It is always a pleasure and honor to host such a ceremony,” said U.S. Army veteran and CEO Ross DeJohn Jr.

“Flag Day, just like any other historical day, is a reminder to us all that the learning and honoring doesn’t have to be on one day a year, and that we can draw on the meaning and spirit of the Flag anytime,” DeJohn said.

He added, “With COVID-19 last year, we along with so many others had to put ceremonies and events like this on hold, so we are excited to gather together again and honor the flag, our veterans and active-duty service men and women.”

The ceremony will also include the Color Guard as presented by Chardon VFW #6519, a Gun Salute as presented by Willoughby Hills VFW #4358, and Taps as presented by Burton-Middlefield American Legion VFW #459 & Auxiliary. There will also be special participation from Munson Boy Scout Troop #91 and local Girl Scout Troops.

New this year, DeJohn Funeral Homes will have helpful resources and tools for veterans available at the ceremony.

Guests are welcome to stay after the Retirement & Remembrance Ceremony for a hotdog picnic with our local VFW veterans and the Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops. In accordance with state guidelines, every attendee must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Collected flags will be cremated in the on-site crematory of the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home in Willoughby Hills.

This ceremony is free for all to attend. Registration is required online at https://forms.gle/XiZVPhBWxfGGxxjj7 or call 440-516-5555.

If you do not have a flag to retire, but want to attend the ceremony, please complete the form with your name and email address.