Wayland Plans In-Person Memorial Day Ceremony In 2021

WAYLAND, MA — Due to the pandemic, Wayland won't have its usual Memorial Day celebration in 2021 for the second year in a row. But with the vaccine widely available and warmer weather, some aspects of the holiday observance are returning.

The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee has decided not to hold a Memorial Day parade this year. But there will be a ceremony on May 31 featuring guest speakers and music.

The Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, 80 Commonwealth Road, with remarks by Public Ceremonies Committee Chair and retired Navy vet Richard Turner. Historian and Wayland High School History Department Chair Kevin Delaney will give the keynote address.

The National Anthem will be performed by Wayland resident Victoria Gitten, and the Wayland High School and Middle School bands will play patriotic music. The American Legion Post #133 will play the traditional Echo Taps and provide a rifle salute.

In 2020, Wayland observed Memorial Day with a town-wide tribute to veterans at local cemeteries. The town's annual Memorial Day celebration usually includes a parade that proceeds along Route 27 to Route 30 to the Lakeview Cemetery in Cochituate, plus individual tributes at cemeteries around town.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday said Massachusetts will be fully open by May 29. Wayland's Memorial Day ceremony will still observe pandemic safety precautions, and will be broadcast on WayCAM for those who can't attend.