Ceremonies go online to allow residents to safely observe Memorial Day

Ceremonies are going online since many officials are still wary of having large crowds at memorials.

News 12 Staff

May 24, 2020, 9:04 PM

Updated 1,438 days ago

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Despite the pandemic, there are still efforts under way this Memorial Day weekend to honor Americans who lost their lives serving their country.

Ceremonies are going online since many officials are still wary of having large crowds at memorials. This includes the annual observance at the Arlington National Cemetery, which will be livestreamed but closed to the public.

However, about 1,000 old guard soldiers are allowed to continue the tradition of placing small American flags near each headstone, more than 240,000 in all. The cemetery also allows family members to visit their loved ones' grave sites, though Everyone will be required to wear face masks.
Hoping to avoid big gatherings at monuments around the capital, the National Park Service also planning to broadcast replaying online.

"It wasn't the question of are we going to do something or we are not going to do something. It was a matter of how we can still honor these men and women while at the same time protecting our visitors and folks who want to come out," says Michael Litterst, of the National Park Service.
The National Memorial Day concert will also be held online and open to a virtual audience.
PHOTOS: Your 2020 Memorial Day Photos
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