Brookline Memorial Day Event Closed To Public Amid Coronavirus

BROOKLINE, MA — The annual Memorial Day observance in Brookline will go on- but the public is not invited this year, amid concern of the spread of the coronavirus.

"Many of the people who attend our ceremonies are at the most risk from the COVID-19 virus and I do not believe it is wise to risk their health with a public gathering," Director of Veterans’ Services William McGroarty said in a statement.

The VFW Post 864 and American Legion Post 11 along with the Department of Veteran's Services will honor those who have passed with a private ceremony. The Brookline Interactive Group (BIG) will film the ceremony and broadcast it on cable access TV and later online.

Staff from the Department of Public Works and a handful of volunteers placed flags at the graves of our veterans recently and left extra flags at both Walnut Hills and Holyhood cemeteries for loved ones in the event they missed any veteran graves, according to McGroarty.

McGroarty said working with families already impacted by the coronavirus influenced his decision not to open the observance to the public this year.

"I know how much the Memorial Day observance means to so many of our families and I am so sorry for not conducting a public ceremony this year," McGroarty said. "[But] I am not willing to risk the health of the living to honor those who have passed. It is my hope that we all stay safe and healthy and are able to gather next year to honor those that have passed."

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece.