Some 300 to 400 people were in attendance as Bartolomeo and Perotto Funeral Home and Walker Brothers Funeral Home held their annual Monarch butterfly release ceremony at YMCA Camp Northpoint August 18 for families that have lost a loved one in the past year.
“It’s a celebration of remembrance for all recently deceased loved ones,” explained Mike Perotto. Approximately 150 were released at the noon ceremony and another 150 at the 3 p.m. ceremony. “There are three mysteries connected with Monarch butterflies,” Mike Perotto said. “They winter in Mexico in at least eight areas always taking the same path. The migration takes a year but they only have a life span of three to four months. So, how do they do it? It’s a reminder. God gave us a symbol. We think it’s by the grace of God. We’ve conducted this ceremony for 16 years, it’s only rained once, and we’ve released around 5,000 butterflies and given out 60,000 to 80,000 butterfly pins.”
Dave Perotto told those gathered that he learned about the Monarchs about 20 years ago and, after thinking about it for several years, decided to start a memorial service. A poem, “Butterflies from Heaven,” was recited and Mike spoke about being gentle in handling the envelopes and how to release the butterflies. Many came forward to obtain an envelope and on Phil’s signal everyone opened the containers amid Ohs and Ahhs from the crowd as the butterflies flew off every which way. As a symbol of remembrance it was a comforting event for families to come and remember the loved ones they have lost.
Butterflies supplied by Monarchs Alive, located in Pennsylvania, are shipped individually wrapped in a triangular paper packet and packed in dry ice. After a two hour warm up the Monarch butterflies are good to go.
Butterfly packets were distributed to eager children and adults. Logan Fregoe, 6, from Bergen, takes a gentle hold on the packet. The butterfly is released by gently opening the ends of the packet.
Phil Perotto cautiously opens a packet revealing the butterfly contents. With a furious flapping of wings the Monarch butterfly takes off.
