RICHMOND — The solemn observance of Memorial Day is coming up. Around the country, ceremonies to honor those who have served and fallen are being prepared. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services has announced the plans for the Commonwealth’s upcoming ceremony.
The 2021 Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 S Belvidere St. in Richmond, on Monday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The order of events will include a combination of live speakers and pre-recorded content, including a special message from Governor Ralph Northam, observances from each of Virginia’s state veterans cemeteries, tributes to Virginia’s Gold Star families, and music from the 380th Army Reserve Band Quintet.
While last year’s ceremony was entirely virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, a limited number of people will be able to attend this year. Reservations are required and are on a first-come, first-served basis. All visitors will be required to social distance and to wear a facemask. To reserve your spot, click here.
Upon completion of the ceremony, the Virginia War Memorial will open its interior portions until 4:00 p.m. and the grounds will remain open until sunset. Organizations that wish to place a wreath in the Shrine of Memory are invited to do so after 12:30 p.m.
There will not be public ceremonies this year at Virginia’s three state veterans cemeteries, including Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, located at 5310 Milners Road in Suffolk. However, the grounds for all three cemeteries will be open from sunrise to sunset. An American flag will be placed on all gravesites and an Avenue of Flags will line cemetery roadways from May 28 through Memorial Day.
The public is invited to tune into the live broadcast of the 2021 Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Facebook by clicking here.
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