Coronavirus: Memorial Day will be virtual in Volusia-Flagler

The coronavirus has claimed another staple of life in Volusia and Flagler counties: Memorial Day events honoring fallen soldiers that normally draw hundreds of people.

Instead of live events, cities in the two counties have either canceled their Memorial Day tributes, or they will hold virtual events that can be viewed online.

Daytona Beach also has postponed its Friday night summer concert series that typically begins on Memorial Day. Spokesperson Susan Cerbone said the city hasn’t set a date for when the series is to resume.

The Star Spangled Summer series of free tribute concerts that take place on Saturday nights, organized by the nonprofit Friends of the Bandshell, is also postponed.

The cities of DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast have canceled their Memorial Day events.

“The decision was made in the interest of the health and well being of our veterans and attendees – many of whom are considered an at-risk population,” said Chris Graham, spokesperson for the city of DeLand. The patriotic events normally draw hundreds of veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as veterans more of recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Phillip Veski, public information officer for New Smyrna Beach, said the mayor has indicated he may record a speech for social media.

Director of the Deltona Veterans Museum and former Mayor John Masiarczyk said the museum had to cancel its Memorial Day events, but they’re doing what they can to encourage folks to come out while still adhering to social distancing rules.

“The park is in the best shape its ever been in. We’re encouraging people to come down there in small groups,” Masiarczyk said. “I think that’s one way to honor them. We’re doing everything we can.”

While many veterans understand the need to curtail large gatherings as the area reopens businesses and other activities during the coronavirus pandemic, not holding large Memorial Day event still comes as a disappointment to veterans. Besides honoring the fallen, the ceremonies also provide a chance to honor all those who have served in the military.

“We’ve got to do something,” said Phillip Loranger, a Deltona resident and Army veteran who fought in Vietnam, Panama and Desert Storm. “We can’t let this (coronavirus) thing get to us.”

Loranger, 69, said despite the social distancing guidelines, it’s important to honor veterans in whatever way possible, like virtual or drive-by ceremonies.

“It’s better than nothing,” he said. “It’s important to find some way to honor those that risked their lives.”

Below are the events still being hosted by cities and counties for Memorial Day:

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Flagler County’s Memorial Day event will be showcased online at 9 a.m. Monday, where keynote speaker Mark Boensel, a retired Navy Admiral, will speak about the first time in naval history that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action. In addition, there will be a burial at sea presentation, a Last Roll Call and the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

The video feed can be seen on Flagler County’s YouTube and Facebook pages. People can also tune in through WNZF 94.9 FM, Kix Country 98.7 FM, through live streaming at FlaglerBroadcasting.com and on the Flagler Radio mobile app.

“We are challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner David Sullivan in a press release. “But, it is our fervent desire that we approximate what we would normally do to reflect on the enormity of the sacrifice of the courageous service men and women who paid with their lives to preserve the freedoms afforded by the Constitution.”

The virtual memorial can also be accessed through an app the county created, Flagler County Veterans Memorial, which honors those who lost their lives during active duty. Friends and families of veterans can complete an online submission form to provide information and a photo.

“This online memorial is really good, and it will be even better as more people add to it,” said Veterans Service Officer David Lydon. “Once you have ‘entered’ the memorial, you can zoom into a geographic location like Pearl Harbor and explore the stories of those who served there.”

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery plans to host a virtual wreath laying ceremony with the playing of taps, a moment of silence and brief remarks on Monday. The event will not be public in order to keep social distancing and CDC guidelines in mind.

For those wishing to thank a veteran or pay tribute to someone who was buried at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, the Department of Veterans Affairs created a virtual Veteran’s Legacy Memorial in 2019. According to a VA press release, starting last week people could leave comments and thanks on a veterans page.

In partnership with Memorial Day Remembrance Committee, the city of Ormond Beach is hosting a virtual Memorial Day celebration at 9 a.m. on Monday, rather than the traditional event held at Rockefeller Gardens.

“The decision was made to honor the men and women who fought for America's freedoms through a virtual tribute,” said Jenn Elston, public information officer for Ormond Beach.

The celebration, which can be live streamed on the city’s Facebook page, will include a proclamation from Mayor Bill Partington. Michael Raymond, American Legion Department of Florida vice commander, will be the celebration’s keynote speaker.

"It's going to be great way, and also a safe way, to honor our veterans and also keep everyone safe as best as we can,“ Elston said. ”We're pretty excited."

Instead of canceling its celebration, the city of Flagler Beach plans to air its Memorial Day celebration over the radio Monday at 1 p.m. on SURF 97.3 FM.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Flagler Beach is unable to hold its usual Memorial Day Tribute in Veterans Park,” a spokesman for Flagler Beach said in a news release, “But did not want the day to go by without honoring the men and women who died while serving in the US military – those who made the ultimate sacrifice so those that of us at home can enjoy our freedoms.”

Although the event is traditionally held at Veterans Park, the city said it plans to replicate the usual celebration as much as possible.

The Memorial Day tribute will include the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speaker Edward Beier from American Legion Post 115, a memorial and benediction.