Memorial Day activities adjusted to keep people safe during COVID-19

Prairie du Chien

The Crawford County Veterans Service Office has regretfully canceled its annual Memorial Day program in Prairie du Chien, due to COVID-19 concerns.

“Our Honor Guard will still be honoring our fallen veterans but will be maintaining the guidelines that are in place to keep them safe,” said Laura Moore, veterans service officer. “The flags will be out prior to that day as well, but we are not requesting volunteers as we are taking precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Wauzeka

Additionally, Wauzeka announced this week that its community will not be hosting the annual Memorial Day program there either, including the parade, ball tournament or chicken barbecue.

Eastman

The Eastman Memorial Day program at the community fire station has been canceled this year, for health and safety reasons. 

However, the honor guard still plans to meet at the community park and hold a fire rifle salute at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The public is welcome to attend if they wish, but are asked to observe social distancing guidelines.

Typically, there’s a program and luncheon to follow. But that will not be happening this Memorial Day. 

Bloomington-Glen Haven

Because of the coronavirus, the Bloomington-Glen Haven American Legion Memorial Day ceremonies have been canceled for the year. Although there is not a ceremony, the Legion asks citizens to keep veterans in their thoughts and prayers.

Northeast Iowa’s American Legion posts have either canceled or adjusted their annual Memorial Day activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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.

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).