COVID-Safe Memorial Day Ceremony Planned

What: Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 31, 2021, at 11 a.m.
Where: Amherst War Memorial Pool 

Veterans Service Organizations of Amherst announces the  2021 Memorial Day Ceremony. The annual day of remembrance honors those who died in military service to the United States during peace and war.

The Amherst Memorial Day observances will be a limited version of the usual Amherst annual program.  There will be no parade this year due to ongoing COVID-19 public health guidance and directives.

Although Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker plans to lift most restrictions imposed during the pandemic on May 29, the timing of the relaxing of restrictions did not afford enough time for the Veterans Service Organizations of Amherst, American Legion Post 148 and VFW Post 754, as well as Central Hampshire Veteran Services, to plan for a larger remembrance with marching units and other public participation as in previous years. 

There will be a scaled down ceremony to honor our deceased men and women in uniform who endured incredible sacrifices, and, for some, the ultimate sacrifice of giving their life for their country. There will be no performance of the Amherst Pelham Regional High School Chorale or other school and youth programs since youth 12 through 15 years of age have just begun vaccinations for COVID-19, and many will not be fully vaccinated in time.  
   
The President of the United States of America proclaims May 31, 2021 a National Day of Remembrance. He encourages all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. All Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals shall fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this May 31 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service. 

The VFW, American Legion and Central Hampshire Veteran Services department invites those who wish to observe this year’s ceremony to either look for designated areas to stand on the grounds behind the War Memorial Pool during the abbreviated ceremony.  At all times, the public is asked to adhere to current social distancing protocols.

We look forward to next year with a return to our traditional parade and with an observance that will be fully open to the public with maximum participation of all groups and organizations.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and encourage all citizens to remember the meaning of Memorial Day in honoring those who died in military service to our nation…lest we forget…