Bay Pines VA Holds Facebook Live Memorial Day Ceremony On May 25

BAY PINES, FL —Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System has scheduled a virtual Memorial Day ceremony via Facebook Live on May 25 to honor U.S. service members who have died while on active duty. Social distancing for the safety of everyone has caused the shift of the tribute from its usual Memorial Day location at the Bay Pines National Cemetery to the virtual event.

“During this challenging time, nothing is more important to us than the health and well-being of the Veterans we have the privilege and honor of serving, their families, and those who support Veteran’s interests,” said Paul Russo, director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “That is why we will be hosting this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony, virtually.”

The ceremony will stream live on the Bay Pines VA Facebook page at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day.

Guest speakers for the event include local leaders from the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, St. Petersburg Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Bay Pines National Cemetery. Retired Col. Thomas G. Bowman of the United States Marine Corps will provide the keynote address.

For further information about the event, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at 727-398-9531 or email vhabaypublicaffairs@va.gov.