MANSFIELD — Richland Public Health has received reports that there have been several recent statements in regular and social media that the agency has ordered Memorial Day services and parades be shut down.
According to spokesman Reed Richmond, this is misinformation. Richmond said Richland Public Health has not made orders regarding Memorial Day Services or parades. Orders have been made, however, by the Veterans Administration which can be seen here.
Along with the orders, guidelines, and recommendations provided by Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, Richland Public Health is aware many Memorial Day observations have been revised in an effort to utilize best practices while coinciding with the presence of COVID-19 in the community.
“We are saddened that our annual community events throughout Richland County to honor our war dead have been postponed or modified,” Richmond stated. “However, we respect and support the decisions made to protect community members.
“Additionally, we have not issued any order that will restrict individuals from placing flags on the graves of our country’s brave heroes. However, the Veterans Administration in its order requested that large groups, such as the Boys and Girls Scouts or VFW posts, who typically place flags on veterans grave sites on Memorial Day not gather to perform these duties this year.”
Richmond said this not only protects the members of these groups, but also the staff members of local cemeteries.
Some local cemeteries, such as the Mansfield Cemetery, have decided to take it upon themselves to ensure every single veteran is honored this Memorial Day by having staff members place a flag at each veteran’s grave site.
If you would like to carry out a Memorial Day honor for a fallen veteran, Richland Public Health advises you to call the cemetery in advance to make sure it’s OK to visit and also be sure to maintain the appropriate amount of social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands after your visit.
