Coronavirus: East Greenwich Promotes 'Virtual' Memorial Day

EAST GREENWICH, RI — East Greenwich is looking to honor its veterans and soldiers who gave their lives defending the country with a virtual Memorial Day this year amid the new coronavirus health crisis. Due to the pandemic, the town has canceled the traditional Memorial Day parade on May 25.

Residents are asked to post short video clips and photos about what Memorial Day means to them to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #EGMemorialDay202o. The East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce will compile the submissions and put together a collection for the town's Facebook channel and Chamber of Commerce's website.

"Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those men and woman who perished while serving in America's military," town officials said. "It is a time to focus on patriotism, bravery and the American spirit. There is no better time than now for all East Greenwich residents to embrace the true meaning of Memorial Day in light of the challenges we are all facing."

Residents are reminded that on Memorial Day the American flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset in honor of the nation's battle heroes.

For further information, call Leigh Carney, at 401-886-8604 or 401-261-7729.