The Altoona Mirror is a daily newspaper based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It serves the local communities of Altoona, Blair County, and nearby regions. The paper concludes with comprehensive obituaries, and full details on funeral services, and allows readers to share condolences and memories through massages. Additionally, this service helps people to send flowers or meaningful gifts in memory of the deceased.
Historical Background of The Altoona Mirror
The newspaper began as The Evening Mirror on June 13, 1874, by Harry E. Slep and George J. Akers under their partnership, Slep & Akers Company. After Akers left in 1877, Slep became the sole owner. Later, Harry E. Slep’s eldest son, William, joined the business, and the firm was renamed H. & W.H. Slep Company.
Evolution and Ownership:
In 1888, the publication was renamed the Altoona Mirror. By 1907, the company was called Mirror Printing Company. The Slep family managed the newspaper until 1984 when it was sold to Thomson Newspapers. Thomson started as a Sunday edition in 1987 and switched the paper to a morning publication in 1997. In 1998, Ogden Newspapers purchased the Altoona Mirror. Dan Slep, a fifth- generation family member, became the publisher in 2021.
Funeral Service Information:
In addition to the obituary, the Altoona Mirror provides full information on funeral services. This service evolves biographical information such as the date, time, and location of services, allowing friends and family to attend and pay their respects. It offers a comprehensive range of news, including local news,sports, and community events. One of its key sections is the obituaries, which provide detailed notices about the lives and deaths of residents.
Sharing Condolences:
The newspaper offers a platform for readers to share their condolences. People can leave heartfelt messages for the families of the deceased, providing comfort and support during a difficult time.
Additional Features:
In addition to obituaries, the Altoona Mirror highlights various community-focused topics:
Engagements, Weddings, and Anniversaries:
This section is dedicated to celebrating major life events.
School Updates and Local News:
This includes information on educational institutions and community events.
Classifieds and Employment Opportunities:
This area contains local ads and job listings.
Access and Submission:
Readers can view obituaries and other articles in print and on the newspaper’s website. The site provides a user-friendly interface for browsing recent obituaries and submitting new notices. There are also subscription options for those wanting daily updates and the latest news delivered to their inbox.
VA Burial Benefits and Memorial Items:
VA burial benefits help service members, veterans, and their families with the costs and planning of burials or memorial services in VA national cemeteries. Veterans Affairs also provides memorial items to honor their service.
Burial in a National Cemetery:
Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery includes:
1- Veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
2- Service members who died on active duty, or during training
3- Spouses and minor children of veterans, even if the veteran died first
4- Unmarried adult dependent children of veterans in some cases
Military Funeral Honors and a Committal Service:
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps”, a rifle detail, a color guard, and service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family. This flag is given to the next of nearer and dearer or a close friend. To qualify for a burial flag, the deceased must have:
1- Served in wartime
2- Died on active duty after May 27, 1941
3- Served after January 31, 1955
4- Served in peacetime before June 27, 1950, for at least one enlistment or due to a service-related disability
5- Served in the Selected Reserves or the Philippine military forces under U.S. service and died after April 25, 1951
Burial Benefits and How to Apply:
Veteran’s death benefits can help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. These benefits include help with burial and funeral expenses, the plot or interment, and transportation of the veteran’s remains For those buried in a national cemetery. The Claims for a non-service-connected burial allowance must be filed within two years of the burial or cremation. There is no time limit for service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowances. Eligible veterans may also receive a headstone or marker at no charge for
unmarked graves.
Overview of the Obituary Section:
The obituary section in the Altoona Mirror offers a space for families to share death notices, memorials, and funeral service details. These notices often provide detailed information, including dates of birth and death, names of surviving family members, career highlights, and personal stories.
