On Monday, Nassau County officials announced an initiative to honor fallen veterans this Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, despite the cancellation of parades and other traditional celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The county, in partnership with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and veterans, has provided posters featuring the American flag and poppy flowers, asking that residents print them out and tape them in the upper right hand corner of their front doors.
“All gave some; some gave all,” the posters read.
“This is a simple way to honor those men and women of our armed forces that we have lost, and show our patriotism and unity this Memorial Day,” the county’s press release states.
The poster initiative is a nod to the tradition of placing American flags on graves in military cemeteries on Memorial Day.
Residents can access the posters on the Nassau County legislature’s website.
The annual Bethpage Air Show, a Memorial Day event honoring the U.S. military, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Residents can watch a virtual air show from the comfort of their own homes, however, by going to the Bethpage Air Show website.
The Village of East Williston will alter their Memorial Day traditions this year. At 12 p.m., the village will hold a parade to honor those who died while serving in the United States armed forces. The drive-through will be led by the East Williston Fire Department.
Residents are encouraged to show their support from their front lawns as the parade passes. Volunteers will distribute small flags to residents’ homes on the morning of the holiday.
Veterans who would like to participate in the drive-through should meet at the East Williston Firehouse before the parade begins.
The village typically also holds a Memorial Day 5K Race. Mayor Bonnie Parente announced in an email on Wednesday, April 15, that the race had been canceled. It is possible that the race will be held later in the year.
