Methuen Mayor Announces Memorial Day Plans

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Special Events will
Replace Traditional Parade

 Methuen, MA, May 21- While Methuen’s traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Methuen will still remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and died in the service of their country.  While our residents cannot physically gather to honor our fallen heroes this year in the traditional way, we can still show our respect with these measures.

“Although the Coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed a lot of things, Ibelieve all of us want to show respect and gratitude for the tremendous sacrifice ofour deceased veterans,” Perry said. “I’ve been working with Tom Hargraves, our Veterans Services Director, to plan a diverse schedule of events for the citizens of our community,” he added.

According to Mr. Hargreaves,the city has planned the following schedule of events:

  • Veterans’ wreaths are currently being installed, and by week’s end, flags will be installed on poles on Lowell Street, Hampshire Street, and Broadway in collaboration with the Voiland Flag Flags have been replaced at Veterans lots at Elmwood Cemetery.
  • On Saturday, May 23, American Legion Post 122 will conduct a ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery at 10:00 am which will be recorded by MCTV for broadcast on Memorial Day. Public officials and residents who wish to attend must comply with appropriate physical (6-feet) distance and are encouraged to wear face masks as In the event of inclement weather the ceremonies will be conducted at the American Legion Post 122 at 200 Broadway, Methuen.
  • On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, residents are encouraged to tune into MCTV (Comcast 22, Verizon 33) beginning at 10:00 am to observe the American Legion ceremony, which will be followed by brief comments by Veterans:
  • John Dowd, Commander American Legion Post 122
  • Kurt Williams, Commander Arnold Greenwood Post 8349 Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Joseph Augusta, Commander Queen City Chapter #2 Disabled American Veterans o “Hoppy” Curran, Lawrence Vietnam Memorial
  • Linda Dean Campbell, State Representative o Randy Carter, Retired Air Force
  • Theresa Skorupka, Retired Navy

These comments will be followed by a compilation of resident submissions of photos or videos showing appreciation for veterans and answering the question “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

  • The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8349 will be conducting a public ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery on Memorial Day at Public officials and residents who wish to attend must comply with appropriate physical (6-feet) distance and are encouraged to wear face masks as well.
  • At 1:00 PM, the Mayor’s Office, Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and Veteran’s Office will conduct a tribute procession in honor of Methuen families who have lost an immediate family member in service, passing their homes in a show of respect and Residents along the route are welcome to watch this procession from their yards but must observe physical distance. A map of the route is attached for your information.
  • Methuen residents are also invited to observe a moment of silence at 3 m. as part of the National Moment of Remembrance, as well as display photos of loved ones along with an American flag in their windows during this specia l time, and to share stories and remembrances on personal social media accounts.
  • Residents are also encouraged to decorate their homes in red, while, and blue leading up to Memorial Day to commemorate the