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North Dallas Funeral Home Founder John P. Brooks received a dream come true in November.
Though he’s been in the funeral industry since he was 15 and has owned funeral homes since 1986, it was only on November 15 that the flagpole that he’s always wanted was installed in front of the North Dallas Funeral Home.
The flagpole and monument that will be set at the base honors veterans.
He said President John F. Kennedy’s assassination strongly influenced his love for the flag.
“There is something about the American flag that tugs at my heart … I remember my mother sobbing in front of the television set,” he said. “The flag just stands out … it takes me back to my childhood when I say the Pledge of Allegiance.”
He said he’d always wanted to dedicate something at the funeral home, which was the first funeral home in Farmers Branch, both for veterans and as a legacy for his family.
Brooks said he was involved in helping bring the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery into fruition.
“We have so many veterans in North Texas, and I try to honor them as much as I can,” he said.
The gray granite monument that will be placed at the bottom of the 30-foot flagpole bears the seals all six arms of military service: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force.
The inscription reads, “Dedicated to all veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces with devotion, loyalty, honor and determination to preserve freedom. ‘Freedom is not free.’” – John P Brooks and Family.
Funeral Director Whitney P. Laning said Brooks was excited to put the flag up the pole, which is topped with a gold ball, the first time.
“I knew it was something on his bucket list that he really, really wanted,” so Laning said he figured out the details to make it happen.
Because the flagpole is at the top of the hill above Rawhide Creek, it is rated for winds up to 150 miles per hour.
The American flag can be seen from Josey Lane to Farmers Branch City Hall.
“It’s been a beautiful addition,” Laning said.
“It’s a very minimal thing to some people, but not to me,” Brooks said.
After waiting patiently for 42 years, Brooks has his flagpole and a marker to honor veterans, just as he’s always wished.
