December 2009 will mark the 9th anniversary of the Flynn and Son Funeral Homes Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is held to commemorate the lives of loved ones who have died in the community. This evening of remembering, which has become a tradition, has gained popularity in the community with a growing attendance each year.
Our tree, a seven-foot Colorado Spruce, stands on the front lawn of the funeral home at 319 Amboy Avenue in Metuchen. It stands as a symbol of strength and endurance and helps remind people who are grieving that they do possess the inner strength to heal from their losses. The tree is lighted during the ceremony and remains lit throughout the holiday season.
Invitations are sent to those families we have served within the past year and we also advertise the event in our local papers welcoming anyone in the area who has suffered a loss to attend. Each participant receives an ornament bearing the name of their deceased loved one, which they may place on the tree. They are also given a candle when they arrive to be lighted at the end of the evening as the names of loved ones are read aloud.
This year’s program takes place on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in a heated tent overlooking the memorial tree. It consists of an Invocation, holiday music sung by a local choir, an informative presentation on managing grief and stress during the holiday season, and the lighting of the candles as the names of those being memorialized are read. We close with a benediction, at which time the Memorial Tree is lighted.
Following the program refreshments will be served in the funeral home living room. There, people have the opportunity to ask questions about what they are experiencing in their bereavement. They can also talk with each other about the common bond they share concerning the loss of their loved one.
All in all, the evening is one of remembering, reminiscing, connecting, and most important: healing. During the bittersweet holidays, our Tree Lighting evening allows these grieving folks a time to celebrate the lives of those they love.
