Moorestown Returns To Live Memorial Day Ceremony Amid Pandemic

MOORESTOWN, NJ — After a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Moorestown will once again host an in-person Memorial Day Service, according to Mayor Nicole Gillespie.

The service takes place at 10 a.m. May 31 at Memorial Field, 254 South Church Street. The theme will be the War on Terror, and the keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Alan Van Saun.

Van Saun has 15 years of experience as an active duty Army officer, serving in both the Infantry and Special Forces, according to his online profile. He has numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and West Africa, advising partner nation military leaders on operations, planning, and leadership.

Moorestown typically holds its annual service at Memorial Field, which is named for the Multi-War Memorial that stands at the entryway, and is the home of multiple athletic fields.

However, last year’s ceremony was held virtually due to the statewide shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here: Moorestown Memorial Day Ceremony To Be Held Virtually

With things opening back up, Moorestown can begin holding events in-person again.

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“We’ve been planning this for a while,” Gillespie said, noting the increasing capacity limits on outdoor gatherings.

Last week, Gov. Phil Muphy announced that capacity limits on outdoor gatherings – meaning, parties and events – will be removed starting May 19. All attendees or groups will be required to keep social distances of at least 6 feet. Current mask requirements remain. Read more here: ‘Major’ COVID-19 Reopening In NJ: Here’s What’s Planned

The Parks and Recreation Department is coordinating the event, which will include involvement from Veterans and the Girl Scouts, who will carry flowers representing each of the 41 Moorestown residents who have died in military service.