An annual Memorial Day ceremony at Danville’s VA National Cemetery has been cancelled for this year. Tom Morse, Past Commander of American Legion Post 210, says unfortunately gatherings at National Cemeteries are not being allowed during the coronavirus pandemic. ‘’We have to abide by the Governor’s rules,’’ said Morse during an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com News.
Although the Memorial Day service has been canceled, Morse says American flags will be placed around some area cemeteries. Morse is also a board member of Operation Honor Guard. He says this year’s ‘Day of Giving’ in support of the Honor Guards has also been cancelled. Normally it would be held in October, but Morse says the board decided that with so many people and businesses struggling this year because of the pandemic the fund raiser will not be held. It is being delayed until May of 2021.
And on a related subject, Morse says planning is underway for a large ceremony at the David S. Palmer Arena on November 21st. The ceremony is being planned by Operation Honor Guard to honor all veterans who have died since March 16th. Morse explained honor guards have been unable to attend funerals since March 16th because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
