Oliver's Funeral Home, as well as local veterans will be at the cemetery this Thursday to put some worn down flags to rest. 

The annual ceremony has been taking place since 2016, as part of their retired flag program, and is way to honour our veterans as well as National Flag Day on February 15th.   

Liesa Peters, Community Liaison & Concierge Services Coordinator with Oliver's Funeral Home says, veterans didn't think the worn down Canadian flags should be thrown in the garbage, but rather disposed of with more dignity and respect. So in 2016, they tried to cremate the flags, but ended up having a big puddle of oil because of too much nylon in the fabric. After consulting with the veterans again, they decided the next best thing, and most respectful way, would be to lower and bury them at the cemetery.

The retired flag program is open to anyone with an old flag that has served it's time, including flags from businesses or other provinces. Last year, 163 flags were lowered. 

Liesa Peters says, you can drop them off at Oliver's Funeral Home anytime, however for this year, they will roll the flags up on February 12th to be lowered and buried at their ceremony the next day.

The Retired Flag Commemoration will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 13th at Oliver's Funeral Home. Everyone will go to the cemetery together, where the veterans will then lower and bury the flags, then return to Oliver's for a couple of speeches and lunch.

Peters says, "Everyone is welcome to attend, the veterans very much appreciate it, and there aren't a lot left. I know last year it was a very emotional time for some of them because they are very glad to see that it will be carried forward."

This will be the first year that some cadets will be present for the ceremony. There is also a group of 3 Canadian Rangers, who are coming in from Valleyview.

Peters says, "This is so exciting, because we want to teach our youth about this and have them carry it on."

They ask that if you plan to attend, to give them a call so they know how much lunch to prepare. You can call 780-532-2929, or visit their website at Oliver's Funeral Home for more information.