PROPER TRIBUTES
On the road: Montgomery Township doing memorial ‘tours’ Online honors: Veterans Affairs seeking names for virtual tribute
While 2020 may look different from any other year, local agencies are working to put together fitting tributes for area veterans on Memorial Day.
Banners recognizing local veterans are going back up, Montgomery Township’s emergency responders and staff are organizing two tours for veterans to visit local neighborhoods on May 25, while Montgomery County is planning a special online ceremony to honor the fallen.
First, the local event: Montgomery Township announced Monday plans for local police, firefighters, public works, and ambulance corps personnel to take veterans who are township residents on a driving tour through several neighborhoods.
“It is important that we honor the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice to make our country what it is today,” said Police Chief Scott Bendig.
The “Memorial Day Montgomery Tours” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 25, and the township and participating agencies will post updates on their social media sites when the group arrives at certain neighborhoods.
Residents are invited to enjoy the parade from their front yards while practicing safe social distancing, and those who are not on social media should keep their eyes and ears out for flashing lights and sirens as the group arrives.
“The volunteers of the fire department are looking forward to participating in honoring the Township residents that fought for our freedom and the liberties that we enjoy as Americans. We also know this has been a difficult
time for the children in our community, and hope this will be something for them to look forward to,” said township Director of Fire Services Bill Wiegman.
County plans virtual tribute
For those outside that specific township, Montgomery County’s Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a virtual gathering on that day.
“It is unfortunate that we cannot celebrate Memorial Day 2020 in the traditional manner but it is imperative that we honor the fallen and their families,” said department Director Dennis Miller.
Residents across the county are invited to send information on local veterans they would like to be included in the Virtual Memorial Day Tribute, and can do so via a form on the department’s website by May 20. Those who wish to have a local veteran honored can submit their name, rank, branch of service and conflict in which they served, and a photo, and Miller said local veterans organizations have been contacted to submit their own members.
Hometown Hero banners
A familiar red, white and blue decoration is beginning to reappear across the region: Hatfield Township’s staff have already re-hung dozens of “Hometown Hero” banners recognizing local veterans, with other towns soon to follow. Lansdale Borough Manager John Ernst reported last week that the town’s Public Works staff are now fully returned to duty, and are currently hanging banners recognizing local businesses, with another set honoring local service members going up soon.
“Next week, they will begin working on the banners for the Hometown Heroes,” he said.
North Wales Borough Manager Christine Hart gave a similar update on her town’s banners Tuesday night, saying borough staff have already re-hung those in place of similar banners marking the borough’s 150th anniversary in 2019.
“We do still have a current waiting list, but there will be a few openings in late summer,” Hart said.
Spots may be open for new participants likely starting around July 4 as older entries time out, Hart said, and staff will contact those whose banners are approaching the end of their allotted time to ask if they want to keep their banner or reapply.
Souderton event set
Elsewhere in the region, the Warren Royer American Legion Post 234 of Souderton is planning to host a color guard using safe distancing on Main Street in that town, while reading the names of local veterans in lieu of placing flags on their graves.