V.F.W. Memorial Day ceremony cancelled in light of pandemic
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - As we approach memorial day, a long-standing tradition for so many in Yuma County, cancelled, due to the situation going on in our world today.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony, at desert lawn memorial park, will not take place on Monday.
The veteran’s of foreign wars hosts the yearly memorial day ceremony.
Pete Arredondo is a Marine Corps Veteran.
“As veterans, it is good to have public displays for memorial day," he said.
A way for the community to come together to remember those who never returned home from war.
Mark Martinez is the Commander for the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, in Yuma.
“We invite color-guards from all over the county - army, marines, border patrol.”
“Because it brings remembrance to the community of our military.”
He says the true meaning of memorial day will not be forgotten.
“Its sad we can’t get together and celebrate but I think the community understand why we’re not allowed to this year. The american legion sends color guards throughout the county, and we recognize every memorial service on monday. I think overall we are not forgotten,” Martinez says.
One Marine Corps Veteran shares his thoughts, on this special day.
“A lot people it seems Memorial Day of free day and barbecue and which is absolutely [right] when it comes down to it that’s the freedom allowed. When people wanna enjoy this day of leisure for whatever reason even if they’re not veterans, as long as they have the memory of where that freedom came from,” Arredondo said.
He spends every Memorial Day, thinking of his brothers and sisters in Armed Forces.
“Me personally, I celebrate memorial day alone. I don’t really go out or do anything. For a veteran, it’s a saddening day,” Arredondo added.
The VFW (Veteran’s of Foreign Wars) will lower its flags to half-staff Monday to honor those who have lost their life, fighting for freedom in our Country.
