Communities pay respect to Dundee soldier

Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News
·1 min read
The American flag and a firefighter’s boot hang from the city of Monroe Fire Department’s aerial ladder as members of the community gathered Tuesday afternoon May 2, 2023, in downtown Monroe to honor late Army Sgt. Douglas Simpson III of Dundee.
The American flag and a firefighter’s boot hang from the city of Monroe Fire Department’s aerial ladder as members of the community gathered Tuesday afternoon May 2, 2023, in downtown Monroe to honor late Army Sgt. Douglas Simpson III of Dundee.

Members of the community gathered Tuesday afternoon in downtown Monroe to honor late Army Sgt. Douglas Simpson III of Dundee.

The 24-year-old son of Sharon and Douglas Simpson Sr. died unexpectedly April 21.

Led by Michigan State Police, the procession traveled from Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus to downtown Monroe en route to Dundee.

The American flag and a firefighter’s boot hung from the city of Monroe Fire Department’s aerial ladder truck as bystanders bowed their heads. Some held American flags.

Stationed along the route, local police and fire agencies, including the Dundee Township Fire Department, Dundee Village Police, Frenchtown Township Fire Department, Ida Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, city of Monroe Fire Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office, assisted in the escort.

A celebration of Simpson’s life will take place at noon today at Merkle Funeral Home, 297 Tecumseh St. in Dundee. A procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery in Dundee where full military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to charities to assist veterans and their families. Messages of comfort or photos can be shared by visiting merklefs.com

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Communities pay respect to Dundee soldier