The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Madison County, WAVEM to host virtual ceremony
“I named 2020 as the Year of the Veteran, and we here in Madison County will continue to honor that even during this pandemic.”
— John Becker, Madison County chairman
Though Memorial Day celebrations this year will be a lot different than usual, residents will still have opportunities to embrace the holiday.
Madison County officials said they are proud to be part of the annual War Veterans Memorial Corporation (WAVEM) Committee Memorial Day Ceremony. A joint service will be held Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at the WAVEM Memorial in front of the Madison County Courthouse in Wampsville, NY.
“I named 2020 as the Year of the Veteran, and we here in Madison County will continue to honor that even during this pandemic,” Madison County Chairman John Becker said in a news release. “Even though this year’s ceremony will be smaller than in the past, it is still important that we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Don Smith, the current president of WAVEM, will open the ceremony at 11 a.m. Victor Ramirez will be singing the National Anthem. There will be a reading in remembrance of deceased WAVEM Board members, and Chairman Becker will give an address honoring the Veterans. Then, wreaths will be placed on the memorials and Taps will be played.
New York state guidance says that ceremonies should be limited to 10 people. As a result, this year Madison County has limited how many people will be participating in the event. “While we are not inviting the general public, we are not banning people either,” county officials stated, adding, “Social distancing will be followed and masks will be worn by all.”
Also to promote social distancing, the public is asked to view the event virtually as it will be livestreamed on the County Facebook page.
Residents will also be able to visit the flag garden set up at the Veteran Memorial Playing Field in Oneida, which will remain set up until the end of the holiday.
Madison County would like to remind people to celebrate the weekend responsibly. Do not hold large gatherings, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Please remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before touching your face.