Vienna Memorial Day 2020: Virtual Ceremony, Service Changes

VIENNA, VA — Memorial Day weekend will look different in Vienna this year, as the ViVa Vienna festival is not happening. The pandemic has led to many in-person event cancellations, but the ceremony honoring veterans can go on — virtually.

The town government worked with the American Legion Post 180 to offer a pre-recorded Memorial Day ceremony. Just like in past years, the ceremony was held at Flint Hill Cemetery to honor those who have died in military service; the only difference was the lack of a community audience. The ceremony is available on YouTube and will be shown on Town of Vienna Community Network (channel 27 on Cox and 38 on Verizon Fios) several times over the weekend.

To watch the ceremony, click here or scroll down to the end of this story.

Vienna 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. Many services are already closed until further notice in Vienna and Fairfax County, but residents should be aware of schedule changes. We're sharing operating updates and other things to do over the holiday weekend.

Town of Vienna offices: Fairfax County government offices: Town of Vienna and Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, May 25. Most government buildings and offices have been closed to the public. See online services available in Vienna and Fairfax County.

State offices: Courts do not operate on the Memorial Day holiday. See operating updates from Fairfax County 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 Vienna 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.

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: Patrick Henry Library and other 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.

Park authority: Many Fairfax County Park Authority park 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: Town of Vienna collections will happen as scheduled on May 25. For 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 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.

Residents can continue to find coronavirus-related service changes at on the Town of Vienna's website and www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status.

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. 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 Vienna open-closed directory.
• Take a virtual tour: Explore digital resources from landmarks like Smithsonian museums, National Zoo and Mount Vernon.
• Celebrate Memorial Day: Honor those who died while serving in the military by watching American Legion Post 180's Memorial Day ceremony.