Falls Church Memorial Day 2020: Virtual Ceremony Replaces Parade

FALLS CHURCH, VA — It's not the typical start to summer, but nevertheless Memorial Day weekend is approaching. This year, Falls Church won't see its usual Memorial Day Parade and Festival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Upon cancelling the event, the city cited the governor's stay-at-home order and ban of gatherings over 10 people. Falls Church and the rest of Northern Virginia remain under a stay-at-home order, which means residents are urged to only leave for essential purposes like obtaining food and exercising.

The city will broadcast a pre-recorded Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. on the Falls Church Community Television Channel (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35) and YouTube. Past Memorial Day parades will be shown throughout the day on the Falls Church Community Television Channel and are available on YouTube.

Features on next year's Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal, Lindy Hockenberry, and a veteran who hosts the Senior Center Military History Forum will be included in the Virtual Community Center newsletter. The newsletter will also have stay-at-home activity recommendations for Memorial Day.

Many services are already closed until further notice in Falls Church and Fairfax County, but residents should be aware of schedule changes. We're including those changes and things to do over Memorial Day weekend below.

City of Falls Church and Fairfax County government offices: City of Falls Church and Fairfax County government offices are closed Monday, May 25. Most government buildings and offices are already closed to the public. See services available online from the City of Falls Church and Fairfax County.

State offices: Courts do not operate on the Memorial Day holiday. City of Falls Church residents should see updates from Arlington County Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, Fairfax County residents can find updates from Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.

Animal shelter: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is conducting essential services by appointment only, and virtual adoptions are available.

Community centers: The Falls Church Community Center is closed to the public. Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) NCS community centers, neighborhood centers, resource centers and teen centers are closed until further notice.

Fairfax Connector: Fairfax Connector bus service is operating with reductions. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector for more information.

Falls Church City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools: Schools are closed for the school year, and Memorial Day is a student holiday. Buildings are closed until further notice.

Libraries: Mary Riley Styles Public Library and all Fairfax County libraries are closed to the public until further notice.

Metrorail: Metrorail operates from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Starting on May 23, the following Orange and Silver Line stations will close for the platform improvement project: Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Greensboro, Tysons Corner and McLean.

Metrobus: Metrobus operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on a modified Sunday schedule. Visit www.wmata.com for more details on specific routes.

Parks: City parks are open, but playgrounds, city fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and the skate park are closed. Many Fairfax County Park Authority park amenities are closed, but trails and parking lots will be open. Park authority golf courses and several farmers markets are opening in phase during May.

Post offices: Closed on Monday, May 25.

Trash and recycling pickup: City of Falls Church collections happen on Wednesday. For Fairfax County collection customers, regular trash, recycling, yard waste and special collection services happens on the holiday. Yard waste collection resumes during the week of May 25. Bulk, brush and electronic waste collection resumed during the week of May 18. Private collection customers should check with their provider for changes.

Trash and recycling centers: The Falls Church Recycling Center is open. The I-66 transfer station, including household hazardous waste and e-waste are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The I-95 landfill complex is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but household hazardous waste and e-waste is closed. The locations are open on Memorial Day.

Things to do

• Visit a park: Pack a picnic, take the dog for a walk or play catch with the family while practicing physical distancing from others. Falls Church parks are open, although playgrounds, city fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and the skate park are closed. Many Fairfax County Park Authority amenities are closed, but trails and parking lots are open. State parks are open for daytime use, while regional park statuses are posted at www.novaparks.com.
• Watch the National Memorial Day Concert: The concert will be broadcast on PBS stations and live-streamed via Facebook and YouTube.
• Order takeout: Enjoy a holiday meal at home with your family. Check our Falls Church area open-closed directory and the city's list of open restaurants.
• Play Falls Church bingo: Support small businesses by completing a bingo card with various challenges. Residents are encouraged to tag businesses on social media to show support.
• Take a virtual tour: Explore digital resources from landmarks like Smithsonian museums, Mount Vernon and the National Zoo.