Legions adjust Memorial Day activities
Local American Legion posts have either canceled or adjusted their annual Memorial Day activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elkader
The Elkader Lemke-Stendel American Legion Post #106 has traditionally remembered veterans by rendering a traditional military salute, firing rifles and playing taps publicly, at the Elkader St. Joseph and East Side Cemeteries. In addition, the American Legion Auxiliary honors all who have served by sending a wreath down the river, which ultimately flows to the sea, and places a wreath at the memorial at the Clayton County Courthouse.
This year, legionnaires will place flags at all veterans graves in memory of their service, as usual, but because of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, it has been suggested that fellow veterans, families of veterans and the public take time to visit and honor all who have served the USA as a personal and private remembrance and not gather as a crowd.
Next year, the American Legion looks forward to returning to the traditional Memorial Day celebration with full military honors.
Garnavillo
Garnavillo Clay-Gar Post #723 will not hold its Memorial Day program at the school. Instead, the Legion will hold a short program at the city park memorial. Legionnaires will present the wreath at the center stone with a short reading, and there will also be a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. This will take place on Monday, May 25, beginning at 11 a.m. Although shorter, the program does not mean veterans have been forgotten.
The post also noted it will not hold its flag burning ceremony at the Clayton County Fairgrounds the first Saturday of June (which this year is June 6).
McGregor
All in-person activities for Memorial Day, including the parade and ceremonies, have been cancelled. Veterans will still put up flags on Main Street and erect the Avenue of Flags at the cemetery.