Memorial Day 2020: Online Celebrations and Virtual Honors
Introduction
Due to the global pandemic in 2020, this Memorial Day, most observances and events shifted to virtual platforms. In this article, we will explore a variety of online Memorial Day 2020 events that allowed people to honor and remember the fallen in a unique way.
American Legion Virtual Ceremony
The American Legion is commemorating Memorial Day virtually by inviting people to share the names of those they are honoring and remembering. Participants can submit this information online, and the Legion will compile the list and share it via social media. This event is a wonderful way to personalize the remembrance and pay tribute to individual heroes.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most hallowed grounds for those honored, is monitoring the situation closely. However, the annual Memorial Day ceremony's status is being evaluated based on changing conditions. Visitors are advised to keep checking the Arlington National Cemetery website for updates.
National Memorial Day Concert
The traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol did not take place in 2020. Instead, a special 90-minute presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert will air on PBS on Sunday, May 24, 2020, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. This program will also be available on the American Forces Network, and viewers can stream it on Facebook, YouTube, or the concert's website. The concert will also be available as Video on Demand from May 24 to June 7, 2020.
National Memorial Day Parade
The 2020 National Memorial Day Parade, which usually takes place in Washington D.C., was canceled due to social distancing guidelines. However, a pre-recorded television special, "The National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall," will be aired during Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2020) by ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox channels throughout the country.
Natinal Veterans Memorial and Museum
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum hosted a virtual 1-mile 5K and 10K run and walk event over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 22-25, 2020. Participants could choose to honor a lost loved one in a 1-mile run or a 5K walk, or honor all branches of service in a 10K run. Registration by May 18 is required to receive event shirts and items prior to the event.
National D-Day Memorial
The National D-Day Memorial will host a virtual program on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Individuals can register online to attend. This virtual lesson provides an opportunity to understand the significance of Memorial Day.
TAPS Virtual National Military Survivor Seminar and Family Program
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will present a virtual National Military Survivor Seminar and Family Program at no cost to everyone. This event will feature sessions, care groups, informational seminars, and opportunities for family programming, as well as special celebrity appearances. Registration can be done online.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial hosted an online commemoration on May 25, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern via their website. Virtual attendees can access this commemoration online.
Wear Blue: Run to Remember
The Thanksgiving Keepers in partnership with Team RWI are hosting a virtual remembrance with the goal of memorializing all 7,029 service members who have died since 9/11/2001. This event aims to have a name read aloud during a run or walk on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020. Participants can also honor someone individually. Registration is available online.
Conclusion
The 2020 Memorial Day proved to be an unprecedented year, with many traditions shifting to virtual formats. Nevertheless, this approach allowed for widespread and inclusive remembrance of the fallen. As you plan your own memorial events, consider the options available to participate in these virtual tributes and honor the heroes who have served and fallen.