Beaufort veterans plan other ways to mark Memorial Day as coronavirus affects events
Volunteers are usually busy this time of year placing U.S. flags at each headstone inside the gates of Beaufort National Cemetery while others prepare floats for a grand parade.
The salute to those who have died during military service will be subdued this Memorial Day by guidelines to avoid gathering during the coronavirus pandemic. The annual parade and ceremony that followed in the National Cemetery are canceled, along with placing the flags.
In Beaufort and Port Royal, with three military bases and a large population of military retirees, the weekend might feel a bit empty for those accustomed to paying respects. But event organizers and volunteers acknowledged the need to keep the public safe.
“It’s a special day, and it’s a shame we cannot get out and celebrate with one another in support of this country,” said Nick Russell, a retired Marine Corps captain and commander of American Legion Post 9. “But as they say, it is what it is.”
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs says all of its national cemeteries will remain open throughout the weekend. Families and friends can still visit and place flowers or flags at an individual headstone.
The agency said it had canceled the large-scale practice of placing and retrieving flags, saying limiting the number of volunteers wasn’t practical. Staff at each cemetery will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony Monday.
Local veterans groups are still finding ways to mark the holiday.
Some members of the Disabled American Veterans chapter and friends plan to informally gather with appropriate separation in Beaufort National Cemetery on Monday morning at the grave of Ronald Voegeli, a Vietnam veteran and veterans advocate who died in January.
“We’re not going to make a big deal out of it, but we are going to be there and think about those that have gone before us, that’s all,” said Doug Hart, a chapter officer. “It’s not going to be a happy time, but that’s the way it goes.”
American Legion officials have instituted “buddy checks” since closures began, calling people who are homebound. Disabled American Veterans chapter members have busied themselves with volunteer work, including helping process Veterans Affairs claims in meetings each Thursday morning in Naval Heritage Park.
There’s hope that traditional events will return to normal soon.
In a statement announcing the cancellation of the annual parade, the Beaufort chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War said it was looking forward to 2021.
“While we know this is disappointing, we hope you can understand the steps we’re taking to help keep our members and attendees safe,” Dr. Elijah Washington wrote in the statement this month.
Hart noted that preparation begins Friday for Wreaths Across America, which places wreaths at military graves throughout the country during the Christmas season.
“I’m going to send out the newsletter,” Hart said.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 1:06 PM.
