Memorial Day ceremony cancelled; flags will still fly

Each year, on the last Monday of May, citizens across the United States take time to remember and honor those who died serving this country.
This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the norms of American life have taken a  turn.
The Memorial Day ceremony normally held at Mount Hope Cemetery by members of the Andrew Kinder VFW Post #4688 will not be held this year.
But the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers who gave their service to this country is still a shining example of honor and patriotism.
As with so many ceremonies and events that had to be cancelled, Memorial Day will still be recognized.
The Memorial Day holiday was originally known as Decoration Day. It started after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead.
It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Americans can still place their hands on their hearts and give thanks and recognition of this special day to all who served this country.
Flags to fly at cemetery
Mount Hope Cemetery has over 300 veterans buried there.
Even without the annual ceremony, VFW members will be placing small flags on each of their grave sites on Thursday, May 21.
Volunteers are needed to place approximately 330 flags on grave sites.
“Volunteers can meet at the VFW Hall at 4:30 p.m., and we will go out to the cemetery shortly after,” said veteran Bud Statz.
Help will also be needed on May 25 to pick up the flags beginning at 4 p.m., he said.
All help would be greatly appreciated, he added.
If a grave is missed, people are asked to notify Duane Todd, Chase County Veterans Service Officer, at 308-882-5568 or Statz at 308-882-5995 or 308-882-1778 and the grave will be properly decorated.