Due to the current state of emergency and restrictions placed upon the community by the COVID-19 pandemic, a difficult decision has been made to cancel the annual Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Monday, May 25.
With support from the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, plans are being made for an alternate virtual event for Memorial Day to honor our veterans and commemorate all the selfless soldiers who gave their lives for their country and our freedom.
Consistent with all active restrictions and social distancing guidelines, residents are encouraged to participate by posting short video clips and photos depicting what Memorial Day means to them to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #EGMemorialDay2020. Submissions will be gleaned by the EG Chamber of Commerce, and compiled into a collection that will be posted on the Town’s Facebook Page and the Chamber of Commerce’s website and social media channels on Memorial Day.
Originally established as Decoration Day in 1868 by General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic, it was a time for the nation to decorate soldier’s graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. With that tradition in mind, residents are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by decorating their homes with red, white and blue for all to see and enjoy.
Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those men and woman who perished while serving in America’s military. It is a time to focus on patriotism, bravery and the American spirit. There is no better time than now for all East Greenwich residents to embrace the true meaning of Memorial Day in light of the challenges we are all facing.
On Memorial Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, and then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.
For further information, call Leigh Carney, at (401) 886-8604 or (401) 261-7729.
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