13 Ways to Observe Memorial Day During the Pandemic

Virtual walks, ceremonies, concerts and other events to honor the fallen

Aaron Kassraie,

AARP

Comments

Published May 20, 2020

A man wearing a mask places flags on graves

Veteran Joseph O'Hara moves to place a flag on a veteran's grave at the Holy Mother of Sorrows Cemetery in Dupont, Pennsylvania.

Dave Scherbenco/The Citizens' Voice via AP

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life as we know it, forcing us to alter our behavior for the sake of public health. Memorial Day is no exception. Although most parades and public events have been cancelled for this year's Memorial Day, there are still ways to honor service members who lost their lives. We compiled a list of events and services that can help you observe the holiday from home or within your community.

American Legion: Although most in-person Memorial Day parades and events are cancelled, some posts are providing virtual options ahead of the holiday. Check with your local post to see what is scheduled. American Legion members can share how they honor Memorial Day by submitting a post.

AMVETS Rolling to Remember: The organization is asking for participants to sign up, download its app and ride 22 miles on Sunday, May 24 (or donate $22 to support their cause). The group advocates for prisoners of war, those missing in action and lives lost to veteran suicide.

Veterans and active military save up to 30% on AARP Membership. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.

Arlington National Cemetery: The grounds in Virginia will be open to family-pass holders only during Memorial Day weekend. Visitors must wear face coverings at all times and maintain six-foot distancing. Throughout the weekend, the cemetery will produce multimedia virtual presentations on its website or social media.

Memorial Day Flowers Foundation: Donate to the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation to pay tribute by helping place a flower on the graves of fallen heroes. The organization lists local cemeteries, which it encourages the public to support.

National Memorial Day Concert: The concert will feature musical performances, documentary footage and readings that honor military service. The live broadcast will be on PBS and on display for troops around the world on the American Forces Network on Sunday, May 24, from 8-9:30 p.m. ET.

National Memorial Day Parade: An original television special featuring celebrity engagements, narrative pieces and memorable moments from the National Memorial Day Parade will air Monday, May 25, at 2 p.m. ET on various broadcast networks and the American Forces Network. See the full list of broadcast times and channels.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum Virtual Run/Walk: The Ohio museum is hosting virtual 1-mile, 5k and 10k runs or walks in honor of the lives lost during military service. Registration is open through Memorial Day and a portion of each entry fee will benefit the museum.

StoryCorps Military Voice Initiative: The platform provides veterans, service members and military families a place to share their stories. The goal is to honor their voices and amplify their experiences for the nation to listen. Previously recorded interviews are also available on their web page.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: TAPS is providing a variety of programming online including informative sessions, family programming and special guests scheduled through Memorial weekend.

Veteran Affairs’ Cemeteries: VA cemeteries will be open for public visitation on Memorial Day. However, wreath-laying ceremonies, accompanied by a moment of silence and the playing of “Taps,” will not be open to the public. Online tributes can be made at the Veterans Legacy Memorial; a page exists for each veteran and service member interred in a VA national cemetery.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Flags: Ace Hardware, in collaboration with the VFW, is giving out 1 million American flags nationwide on Saturday, May 23. Customers who visit a participating store will receive a free flag while a second flag will be donated to a local VFW Post to be used for marking veteran graves on Memorial Day.

Virtual Tours of U.S. Veterans and War Memorials: Since most travel has been put on pause, Google Arts and Culture has compiled a virtual tour of our nation's most recognized memorials in Washington, D.C.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Commemoration: On Memorial Day, the organization will host a virtual commemoration from 1-2 p.m. ET. Until then, the public is being asked to write a personal message to share about who they will be remembering this Memorial Day. Video messages can also be recorded and shared. On Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. ET, the annual Remembrance Ceremony on Facebook featuring special messages and remarks will take place.

%{postComment}%

Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for USA Today and Al Jazeera English.

13 Ways to Observe Memorial Day During the Pandemic

Virtual walks, ceremonies, concerts and other events to honor the fallen

Benefits Recommended For You