By Sterling McGinn
The American Legion Hugh Allan McInnes Post 74 in Newberry has made the difficult decision to cancel their live Memorial Day programs at the Newberry and McMillan cemeteries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the programs will not be held publicly, the Legion members along with M-123FM will stream the annual ceremonies virtually and bring them safely to your homes.
“Due to the stay-at-home extension until May 28, we decided to try something different this year,” stated post commander Jim Dzelak. “Myself and the Legion officers felt the program is too important to cancel completely.”
Street flags will be installed along Newberry Avenue prior to Memorial Day. Messages from each of the speakers will be prerecorded, and the decoration of the graves and military honors will be completed within social distancing guidelines. The Legion will also place flags at veterans’ graves at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. If a veteran’s grave is missed,call Jim Dzelak at 293-8072.
The time of the virtual event will be announced in next week’s Newberry News. It will be available to watch on the M-123FM, Newberry News and Newberry Avenue Facebook pages and at M123fm.com.
Memorial Day services in Hulbert, Paradise and Strongs will take place as normal, with details available in next week’s News. Services in Curtis and Engadine are canceled.
