PEORIA, Ill. — America’s Gold Star Families, based in Peoria Heights, typically puts on a ceremony at the Gateway Building on the Peoria riverfront honoring soldiers who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice.
But, like last year, due to COVID-19, there won’t be a ceremony this Memorial Day.
The organization’s Scott Corsaut told WMBD News, when the Memorial Day Committee started planning this year’s ceremony, Illinois was still in Phase Four, which would limit the event’s capacity to 50 people.
The event typically brings in several hundred people to the riverfront on Memorial Day.
But, there are local events going on this Memorial Day weekend to honor veterans.
“Springdale Ceremony will have a ceremony on Memorial Day. Up in Peoria Heights, the Marine Corps League will have a ceremony at 2 p.m. at Tower Park,” Corsaut said.
The City of Washington is also holding a Memorial Day Parade on Monday.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. on the corner of Jefferson and N. Main, ending at Glendale Cemetery on S. Main Street.
Families and friends typically gather on Memorial Day, the official kickoff to summer. But, some may not know the true meaning of the holiday.
Corsaut explains the difference between Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, all which honor America’s veterans.
“Armed Forces Day for those still in uniform, Veterans Day is for those who have hung up the uniform, and Memorial Day is for those who never made it out of their uniform,” Corsaut said.
Because America’s Gold Star Families can’t hold their annual event on Memorial Day this year due to COVID-19, a video honoring the nation’s fallen soldiers will air on WTVP TV Monday at noon, and again at 10 p.m.
The full interview will Corsaut is HERE.
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