Chelmsford Memorial Day Observance 2020: How To Watch

CHELMSFORD, MA — The annual Memorial Day observance in Chelmsford held earlier this week amid concern of the spread of the coronavirus involved face masks and social distancing amid concern about the spread of the coronavirus.

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Chelmsford joined a number of communities around the commonwealth to offer an amended observance, one held privately but recorded to be shared online in an effort to help keep people safe amid the coronavirus.

Chelmsford is among the top 100 when it comes to the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus with at least 300 reported cases.

Memorial Day this year is observed on Monday, May 25. The day, originally known as "Decoration Day," originated in the years after the Civil War to honor those who died in that war. It expanded as the U.S. entered more wars, but only became an official federal holiday in 1971.

According to tradition on Memorial Day the American flag is to be hung at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff. The U.S. Congress passed legislation in 2000 to encourage all Americans to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

ChelmsfordTV recorded the ceremony on May 20. Speakers included Merrimack Valley Vietnam Veterans, Chelmsford Select Board member and a state representative.

Watch the observance, thanks to ChelmsfordTV below:

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