On Monday, we will celebrate Memorial Day, a day when we honor the men and women who died while serving our County and our country in the U.S. military. With restrictions in place in Montgomery County due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), this Memorial Day may be different than what we’re used to. While we may not be taking trips to the beach, enjoying a day at the pool, attending large events or hosting gatherings, there are plenty of ways to other virtual events happening in our area that residents can enjoy over the long weekend.
The City of Rockville who planned to hold a Hometown Holidays Music Fest and Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade has created events that allow residents to celebrate at home as they adhere to social distancing guidelines. This “Festing in Place” event includes several activities.
- Neighborhood Walk/Run– Community members are encouraged to walk or run a mile around their neighborhoods or local parks while listening to a curated Hometown Holidays Festing in Place playlist on Spotify, which features bands from past festivals. Participants can even print out their own Hometown Music Mile rare bib.
- Parade in Place– Rockville residents are encouraged to decorate their homes, balconies, windows, bikes, wagons, sidewalks and mailboxes with red, white and blue decorations to celebrate the at-home Memorial Day Parade.
- Get a Taste of Rockville– Participating Rockville area restaurants and grocers will offer food carryout, curbside pickup and delivery options. Visit the Taste of Rockville site to find out which businesses are participating.
- Hometown Holidays Music Fest at Home– Enjoy performances from favorite Hometown Holidays bands, including Capital Effect, Ted Garber, and The Nighthawks on the music fest Facebook page beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
- Memorial Day Moment of Silence– Join Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton live on Facebook at 10 a.m. Monday for a Memorial Day message and moment of silence to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
You can find more information about the “Festing in Place” event here.
The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring all County service members who have died in military actions dating to World War I with a virtual tribute. You can view images and bios for these service members here.
Next Saturday, May 30th the City of Gaithersburg will be holding a Virtual Memorial Day Observance from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.
The May 30 virtual observance will feature video remarks by guest speaker Colonel Judson “Jud” E. Stailey, United States Air Force (Retired). During his 30-year Air Force career, Colonel Stailey earned three National Defense Service Medals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Special Achievement Award Medal, three Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, and two Outstanding Unit Awards. Upon retirement in 2002, Colonel Stailey was awarded the Legion of Merit for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.” Read more about him here.
The patriotic virtual ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion. Mayor Jud Ashman will deliver opening remarks and newly appointed Junior Mayor Hayden Sandlin will lead the community in the Pledge of Allegiance. Young Artist Award 2nd place vocal winner Fiona Feingold will perform the national anthem and 3rd place vocal winner John Lewis, with his sister Maren (2019 2nd place vocal winner), will perform “God Bless America.” “Taps” will be played by Gaithersburg High School Band member Kaylee Dobbins over a montage of video and images of past wreath-laying ceremonies.
Montgomery County has these current restrictions in place to keep you safe and healthy. County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles provided an update on when the county may start to ease some restrictions and begin Phase One of reopening.
