Forgotten ‘Edison Funeral Flag’ Goes On Display In West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ — A unique opportunity to explore the global impact of Thomas Edison’s death is taking place at Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange.According to the National Park Service, the “Edison Funeral Flag” – which was draped over his coffin during a brief ceremony by West Orange World War I veterans in 1931 – will be displayed in the library of the Laboratory Complex, alongside other significant items related to his funeral, including his death mask. Visitors will also have the chance to attend special talks led by park rangers and volunteers offering insights into Edison’s passing and the commemoration of his life.The display will be available through Oct. 30. It will be open to the public from Thursday through Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Laboratory Complex, 211 Main Street in West Orange.Here is some background on the flag, according to the NPS:“Thomas Edison passed away on October 18, 1931, at his home in Llewellyn Park, West Orange, NJ. His death made international headlines, and Edison was honored with a state funeral at his laboratory on Main Street. Though the coffin was not officially draped with a flag throughout the funeral, the West Orange American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars honored Edison with a brief ceremony, temporarily placing the flag on his coffin, witnessed by Mrs. Mina Edison and recorded in local newspapers. According to the West Orange Weekly Review’s report from October 23, 1931, ‘Many organizations passed by the bier as delegations. The local posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars attended in a body and draped the coffin with a flag. Mrs. Edison witnessed the ceremony.’ The flag, originally secured from the American Legion Post building by Commander Bernard Degnan, remained with Degnan’s family until his passing in 1967, when it was passed on to his son. In December 2022, the flag was given to West Orange Township Historian Joseph Fagan, who now preserves it and shares its story with the public.”“We are honored to display this important artifact,” said Alexander Parody, chief of interpretation and education at Thomas Edison National Historical Park.“The Edison Funeral Flag is a profound symbol of the respect and admiration that Edison commanded at the time of his passing, and its return to the site is a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with this chapter of history,” Parody said.Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.The article Forgotten ‘Edison Funeral Flag’ Goes On Display In West Orange appeared first on West Orange, NJ Patch.
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