Houston National Cemetery’s Memorial Day ceremony closed
Due to limits on large gatherings because of the new coronavirus, a public ceremony will not be held as usual at Houston National Cemetery on Memorial Day.
However, the cemetery will be open to the public over the weekend for loved ones to pay homage.
“This year, by necessity, will be different from past Memorial Day observances,” said Roy Luera, the cemetery’s director, in a news release. “While we cannot hold a large Memorial Day program as was typical in years past, we will still honor Veterans and service members with the dignity and respect they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”
Those interested in watching the Memorial Day ceremony, which will only be open to news outlets, can view through local media coverage, according to the release. The cemetery was originally dedicated in December 1965 and is located on a former dairy farm in northwest Houston, the release said.
Over the weekend, the site will be open from dusk until dawn, and visitors can place flowers and flags at their loved one’s grave site. Visitors are encouraged to practice physical distancing and visit Friday, Saturday and Sunday to avoid possible crowds, the release said.
Those interested in paying tribute virtually can also visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial website, which was originally started in 2019. A person can share memories or show support online for any veteran and service member interred in a Veterans Affairs national cemetery, according to the release.
At Houston National Cemetery, interments are still provided for veterans and others who are eligible. However, committal services and the rendering of military funeral honors has stopped until further notice, according to the release.
Immediate family members of no more than 10 are allowed to view the interment of their deceased loved one.
Over the weekend, those interested in honoring fallen service members from the Houston area can also participate in Houston Run for the Fallen.
The event is being organized by U.S. Air Force Recruiting — Houston is asking for people to pick one of 76 service members from the Houston area who have died since Sept. 11, and run, jog or walk a mile in their honor throughout the weekend.
Those interested can find a list of fallen service members online and also sign-up on the group’s website www.usafhtx.com/run/ere.