Sharon Modifies Memorial Day Ceremonies Due To Coronavirus

SHARON, MA — Sharon will hold a modified set of Memorial Day remembrances due to the coronavirus health emergency.

Participation at a grave site ceremony at the Legion Lot Rock Bridge Cemetery March 24 at 1:30 p.m. will be limited due to coronavirus restrictions. The service will consist of prayer, comments, placement of wreaths, rendering of honors and raising flags.

Sharon officials said attendance is encouraged, but social distancing guidelines apply.

Individual veteran graves will not be decorated the Friday prior to Memorial Day per tradition. But the hope is to decorate veteran graves in Sharon on June 14.

Rabbi Noah Cheses will lead the Memorial Day prayer and comments will be given by the select board and veteran agent. Firing detail without full detail will be done by the Sharon American Legion. The Canton American Legion Band will have bugler and drummers for taps and playing "To the Colors." Audio support will be provided by Sharon Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Filming for Memorial Day broadcast will be done by Sharon Cable for rebroadcast. No activities or participation will be allowed on the road on East Street. No civic program will be conducted on town hall property.

A large live flower wreath will be displayed in the vicinity of the flag pole at the town hall. This wreath is to acknowledge all deceased we remember on Memorial Day. Wreaths will be placed at town monuments prior to Memorial Day.

Small flags and small flowering plants will be placed starting at 1:30 P.M. Rock Ridge Cemetery then to proceed to other town cemeteries. Veterans, families, scouts and others are encouraged to participate in individual veteran grave decoration.

The Sharon Flag Day program will not be done at Veterans Memorial Park June 14. There is a plan to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at Rock Ridge Cemetery.

Individual remembrance is encouraged. Protocols are for the U.S. Flag is to fly at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day, May 25.