Dignitaries Attend Flag Raising Ceremony at Evans Brown

Cadets from the California Military Institute in Perris raise the flag on a new flagpole at Evans Brown Mortuary. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Staff members, local dignitaries and a small group of guests witnessed the dedication of a new flagpole and flag raising in front of Evans Brown Mortuary in Menifee on Friday.

The facility has been without its flag display since last July, when a rainstorm with high winds blew off part of its roof, taking out the flagpole in the process. The mortuary has undergone extensive renovation since then but has continued to provide uninterrupted service.

"We had 2,400 feet of roof sitting here in the front yard and in the street (left)," said Justin Luyben, managing partner of Evans Brown Mortuary in recalling the aftermath of the July 19 storm. "It took out our flagpole, actually uprooted it. We have not flown our flag since that day. We want to rededicate it to the veterans who have served our country and to the people we have proudly served here."

State Senator Jeff Stone, who previously served the area as a Riverside County supervisor, was among those who spoke at the dedication.

"This building has always been a significant landmark in the community," Stone (below) said about the mortuary, which is located on Encanto Drive on the east side of Interstate 215. "We appreciate Evans Brown for all the community support you have continuously given over the years."

The flag was presented and posted by cadets from the California Military Institute in Perris, with retired local pastor Ron Price giving the invocation and words of dedication.

"Evans Brown is a wonderful business in our community," said Menifee City Council member Lesa Sobek. "They do so much in our community."

Sobek told the audience that the staff of Evans Brown prepares meals for the volunteers at the Menifee Better Together event each year. In addition, they provide a birthday cake each month for seniors who use the Kay Ceniceros Center.