Memorial Day in Bradenton area is going virtual this year because of COVID-19
Like everything else during the COVID-19 pandemic, Memorial Day won’t be the same this year.
“But we couldn’t let this go undone,” Carl Hunsinger, president of Manasota Veterans, Inc. said of the day that America pays tribute to its war dead.
Because COVID-19 remains a deadly threat and many of those who typically attend a Memorial Day observance are seniors, this year’s observance will be virtual.
Hunsinger and Edwin Robinson, chairman of the Manatee County Veterans Council, have announced that this year’s observance will be conducted via Facebook Live
“It will be very short and impactful. We want to do the right thing and honor Memorial Day,” Robinson said.
The service will be livestreamed 9 a.m. Monday, May 25, at https://www.facebook.com/events/2967024566686683/
The event is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, which will include the invocation, playing of the Star-Spangled Banner, and an address by keynote speaker retired Navy Captain Michael Hartford. The observance will close with the playing of Taps, laying of the wreath, closing remarks and benediction.
Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is also planning a Memorial Day observance, emphasizing social distancing and safety.
At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, all Lakewood Ranch residents are invited to stand in front of their home and join in the national moment of remembrance. This is an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are, to pause for one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.
Immediately following, residents can join the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Facebook page for the Pledge of Allegiance and commence the parade beginning by waving a flag.
“Our Tribute to Heroes parade launched over 10 years ago and has been a way for us to celebrate our local heroes,” Keith Pandeloglou, executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, said in a press release. “This year, our goal is to remember those we have lost, and now we’re opening it up to applications from our community so we can continue to give them the recognition they deserve, even in a socially distanced world.
Residents can send a photo or video giving their thanks that will be used as part of our Memorial Day tribute to our fallen heroes. They can also submit a hero nomination of a friend, family member, or community member who they would like to have recognized.
For every submission, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will make a donation to VFW Post 12055, enabling them to continue to fund their scholarship program benefiting the Lakewood Ranch High School ROTC.
Applicants should submit their contribution via e-mail to Info@lwrca.org or at LWRTributetoHeroes.org.
“As commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12055, and on behalf of our members, it is our privilege to participate in this year’s remembrance of those service members whom we have lost in the fight for our nation’s causes,” said Graham S. Ellis, U.S. Navy veteran. “They served with pride, not only in themselves, but in their services and their nation. As we follow in their footsteps, we look forward to assisting local veterans in need and supporting the schools and students in the Lakewood Ranch area.”
Sarasota National Cemetery will livestream its Memorial Day service this year at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, on the Memorial Day Tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery Facebook page.
The program will include a video production by Gold Star families, said cemetery advisory chair Renee Gilmore.
Gold Star families are those who have lost a loved one in military service.
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
