Memorial Day events scheduled in southwestern Illinois with coronavirus guidelines
Many of the area’s Memorial Day festivities have been canceled due to coronavirus. However, there are still several virtual and social distanced events taking place, listed below. You can send other event information to jgreen@bnd.com.
▪ Flags to Honor Departed Loved Ones — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23. Disabled American Veterans Club Chapter #53, 3400 Century Drive, Granite City. Come by and receive a free American flag to honor your departed loved one(s) this Memorial Day – Any Military, Police, Firefighter, EMS, Doctor, Nurse. There are 200 flags available on a first come, first served basis. facebook.com/events/692068994698390
▪ Drive-by Parade — 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23. Bradford Place - Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1463 Benchmark Court, Swansea. People are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and drive their joy past the residents. Drivers to meet at the Community Bible Church, 4940 Benchmark Center Drive. For information, sdey@bradfordseniors.com or facebook.com/events/380235632897002
▪ Aviston Legion Memorial Day Services — 11 a.m. Sunday, May 24. Aviston American Legion, 601 S. Clinton St., Aviston. Program to be held in front of the Legion and consist of placing a wreath, raising the flag, a 21-gun salute and ending with Taps. Spectators will be able to watch from their vehicles on the Legion parking lot. avistonlegion.com
▪ Honoring the Legacy Memorial Day 5K Virtual Run/Walk — 4 a.m. Monday, May 25 to 7 a.m. Sunday, June 7. Takes place wherever you want: your neighborhood streets, track or even the treadmill. Be flexible. You can even take your dog with you. Online registration closes 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24. To register, visit https://localraces.com/events/belleville-il/honoring-the-legacy-memorial-day-5k-virtual-run-walk. facebook.com/honoringthelegacy
▪ Memorial Day Ceremony — 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Live video via Facebook at facebook.com/CWVPOST370. Program honoring fallen heroes includes opening remarks by Mike Anthony, invocation by Father Ken York, flag detail, Pledge of Allegiance, guest speaker Lt. Col. Jon Eizenberg, benediction by Father York and Taps.
▪ Columbia Memorial Day Program — 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 25. Columbia American Legion Post 581, 375 E. Locust St., Columbia. An outdoor, drive-up program. Those attending are asked to remain in their parked vehicles. The observance will be broadcast on a low-watt radio frequency, 106.9-FM, beginning at 11 a.m. The broadcast will only be heard within the immediate area surrounding the post home. facebook.com/events/3093284774066622
▪ Waterloo Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony — 11 a.m. Monday, May 25. Visit http://www.waterloo.il.us/calendar/memorial-day-ceremony-2/ on Memorial Day for a link to the virtual program.
▪ 932nd Airlift Wing Flyover — 11:50 a.m. Monday, May 25. An Air Force Reserve C-40C aircraft from the 932nd Airlift Wing is scheduled to salute local medical professionals and first responders during a flyover on Monday, May 25. The flight will depart from Scott Air Force Base at approximately 11:50 a.m. The C-40C aircraft will fly over the Belleville Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s, Memorial East, St. Joseph’s in Highland, Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and will conclude near the VA Medical Center at Jefferson Barracks on the Missouri side of the river before heading back to base. This flyover is a part of the U.S. Air Force’s OPERATION: AMERICA STRONG effort to salute those at the forefront of the COVID-19 response.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 11:24 AM.