Annual barbecue recognizes veterans' contributions

Sunwest Funeral Home is preparing for the future but took time on Memorial Day to remember those from the past.

The El Mirage funeral home and cemetery had its third annual barbecue Monday open to families of fallen soldiers, who often visit on the day of remembrance.

Manager Paul Gabriel said the event has grown steadily each year. He estimated up to 200 people visit his cemetery each Memorial Day.

"Memorial Day is one of those days where we recognize our veteran deceased, and it's always been a big day inside the cemetery itself," he said. "It's a way to take care of our families."

The funeral home is undergoing a $500,000 renovation project, its first in nearly 50 years of operation.

The project will update the reception area and revamp the building exteriors on the 22-acre campus.

The renovation project is slated for completion within a month, Gabriel said.

The annual Memorial Day barbecue was free and open to the public, he said.