COVID-19 forces changes to Memorial Day tributes, celebrations

WICOMICO CO., Md. – On Memorial Day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our nation.

But with the cancellation of ceremonies amid the pandemic some people in Wicomico County say to not be able to come together is just disappointing.

“Sometimes we take part in the county memorial service, which is over at the Wicomico Civic Center, but this year, that’s been canceled also and it’s a shame,” said Bill Hagen, commander at the American Legion Post 64.

People in the community tell us these ceremonies mean everything to a lot of families.

“Especially those gold star mothers who’ve lost their love one or their son in combat, or women who lost their husbands in combat it means everything to them, for the community that they live in to remember that and for the nation to remember that sacrifice,” said Hagen.

“When you’re at a ceremony and you look around and you see 300 people doing the same thing that you’re doing it’s definitely inspirational,” said Jeff Merritt, co-founder of Operation We Care.

Although people aren’t able to come together we’re told these changes also present opportunities for state and local leaders.

“Of course nobody expected this pandemic, but I think the service organizations definitely need to figure out what they can do when Memorial Day comes again in case something like this happens,” said Hagen.

And despite the ceremony cancellations some people say it’s all only a temporary setback and that things will hopefully be better by next year’s Memorial Day.

“A lot of people are getting in tune with the virtual world now in many respects and maybe next year we can get back in gear,” said Merritt.

Wicomico County officials say although they weren’t able to have their program today at the Wicomico Civic Center they will provide a Memorial Day service as soon as it is safe for senior veterans and all others to meet in a group setting.