Coronavirus Forces Changes To Massachusetts Memorial Day Ceremonies
BOSTON (CBS) – In cemeteries, town squares and stages great and small, Memorial Day may have looked simpler this year. A massive American flag unfurled over the Green Monster in an empty Fenway Park. But these ceremonies and displays no less solemn, nor less grateful.
In Wrentham, public officials and a small number of guests held an observance on the Town Common. Residents could see the tribute from their cars or online.
New Bedford live-streamed two services - the fishermen's memorial and the city wreath-laying at the Soldier and Sailors Monument.
In Pepperell, a group of veterans marched through town Monday morning even though the parade was canceled. "We didn't want to cause too much of a ruckus but we wanted to honor our fallen and that's more important," Vietnam Veteran Bob Connolly said.
At the South Boston Vietnam Memorial, a lone bagpiper played music and someone scaled the memorial's fence to lay a wreath and a bouquet there.
On Boston Common overnight, volunteers placed 1000 flags - safely with social distance.
"We couldn't do it this year for health reasons. We didn't feel like we could do it safely with the number of volunteers and we normally plant on Wednesday into Thursday and here we are on Memorial Day just for one day," said Tom Crohan of the Massachusets Military Heroes Fund.
Everett held its annual ceremony at Glenwood Cemetery. Attendees were asked to remain inside their vehicles or socially distance outside their cars with masks.
Worcester also held a virtual memorial this afternoon.
"The thing you hear over and over again from families who have lost a loved one is will their family member be remembered? Will their sacrifice be remembered?" Governor Baker said. "They stood up for us. They stood up for one another, and it's critically important - especially in these times of high anxiety - that we all remember that it's important that we stand up for each other."