Bel Air Cancels Memorial Day Ceremony, Plans Moment Of Silence

BEL AIR, MD — The Memorial Day ceremony in Bel Air has been canceled. Town officials cited the coronavirus pandemic in a statement released Wednesday about the decision.

"Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, this ceremony has been canceled," the statement said.

Originally the town of Bel Air and the American Legion Harford Post #39 had planned to hold a ceremony honoring veterans whose lives were lost.

Last year was the town's 35th anniversary of its Memorial Day ceremony, held at Shamrock Park.

For this year's event, the town has proposed a way to recognize deceased veterans while practicing social distancing. Current social distancing guidelines in Maryland prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people, although Gov. Larry Hogan has said restrictions may be relaxed as soon as early May.

To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, which is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, federal guidance calls for staying at least 6 feet apart from one another.

Bel Air is proposing honoring veterans together while physically staying apart this year.

"Please join us in a moment of silence at noon on Memorial Day to pay tribute," a statement from the town said.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25.

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