With social distancing measures still in place, Memorial Day could look a little different this year.
The parades may be on standby, but we can and should still do what we can to honor and remember our fallen brothers and sisters.
Although the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. has been canceled, the American Veterans Center plans to televise a pre-recorded special entitled “The National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall.”
Other notable events include a completely virtual 21K run and many other Veteran Organization sponsored activities.
To find a complete list of these events or to add one you know of, head over to our Memorial Day Parades page.
We must always remember that the ultimate purpose of Memorial Day is to honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price to protect our country and our freedoms.
For many, the message hits even closer to home.
VetFriends.com user David writes,
“This is a day to remember my father in law Michael Gurchik, USN Veteran, WW2. God Bless all who serve past, present, and future. Those who keep our country free.”
An anonymous user writes,
“This day is for all the fallen brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price for freedom as they are the real heroes, along with all the Military Families who bear the burden of the loss of these Heroes. I would also like to thank all the families of the active, reserve and retired military who have manned the home front for us, as they, as well as this great country, is why we have made and are making the sacrifice of being in harm’s way so much easier. I would also like to make mention of all our brothers and sisters who are still missing I would like to say YOU ARE NOT AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.I am proud to have served 26 years in the AIR FORCE and two tours in Vietnam. “
Head over to this Memorial Day Forum to read more comments on Memorial Day or add your own.
Social distancing orders could create a barrier for visiting cemeteries/memorial spaces this year, and for some going out in public may not be an option right now. While our hearts go out to those unable to visit their loved ones, there are still ways to honor them this Memorial Day.
You can add their name to a Virtual Military Casualty Memorial. This is a great way to pay tribute to your fallen loved ones. Add their name, state, branch, and conflict to get their name up with hundreds of other fallen US heroes.
Upload their picture to our Veteran Photos Page so over 200,000 Military personnel and Veterans can honor their fallen brother/sister.
The circumstances of Memorial Day are not ideal this year, but with the help of the internet we can still find ways to honor the remembrance of fallen US Military heroes.
VetFriends.com – reconnect with your service time buddies