South Kingstown Shelves Memorial Day Parade Due To Coronavirus

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — South Kingstown has canceled its annual Memorial Day Parade. The announcement comes after Gov. Gina Raimondo said that large events such as parades and festivals will be impossible to hold as usual this summer.

Under the phased reopening plans, crowds will likely be limited to 50 people or fewer until at least the end of the summer, Raimondo said.

Although the parade has been canceled, the post-parade wreath-laying ceremony at the Saugatucket Park Veterans Monument will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 will and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 325. The group will also lay wreaths at the Civil War Memorial in Riverside Cemetery, the Hazard War Memorial at Hazard School and at Vietnam Memorial Park at Dale Carlia Corner.

"We are living in difficult times, but no matter how challenging this time may be, we must never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our great country,' Said Steve Stewart, the parade committee's chair and a Vietnam war veteran. "We will remember and honor them this year just like we have done every year."

The public is invited to virtually attend the wreath laying ceremony, which will be livestreamed.

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