DeKalb County

Cities hold virtual Memorial Day ceremonies amid coronavirus pandemic

To protect against the spread of COVID-19, cities across metro Atlanta held virtual Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning.

Channel 2’s Kristen Holloway watched the ceremony for the City of Dunwoody and said, even online, it was extremely powerful.

The ceremony started with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a prayer and then a moment of silence.

Memorial Day 2020

Please join us in honoring all who served. Happy Memorial Day!

Posted by City of Dunwoody Parks & Recreation on Monday, May 25, 2020

Rev. Josh Amerson from Dunwoody United Methodist Church gave the invocation. He said even during a pandemic, we all still need to pay respect to our fallen heroes.

“Those heroes we remember today loved the principles in which this country was founded. For the sake of their family and friends, they paid the ultimate price. It’s a sacrifice none of us deserves but all of us can honor,” Amerson said.

[RELATED: With some Memorial Day traditions on hold, metro Atlanta families step up to honor fallen]

The City of Woodstock also held its own virtual Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony, which is usually held in The Park at City Center, kicked off with a song from Miss Georgia followed by various speeches, readings and prayers. Watch the full ceremony below.

Memorial Day 2020 City of Woodstock, GA Virtual Ceremony

Woodstock’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony will not take place in The Park at City Center this year due to social distancing measures and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Instead, the city will share a virtual ceremony on its YouTube channel and Facebook page. 2019 Miss Georgia Victoria Hill will open the ceremony by singing The Star-Spangled Banner followed by Cub Scout Pack 625 leading The Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Donnie Henriques will share a welcome statement and read his Memorial Day 2020 Proclamation. American Legion Post 316 and Marine Corps League Woodstock Detachment #1311 will perform various ceremonies and readings. Prayers will be offered by pastors of Momentum Church. The ceremony will conclude following the placing of the wreath at the city memorial and the releasing of the doves. The City of Woodstock Virtual 2020 Memorial Day Ceremony will air at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25th on the City Facebook page and on YouTube at https://wdstk.ga/youtube. Citizens may watch the ceremony online as it premieres on Memorial Day morning or later at their convenience.

Posted by City of Woodstock, GA on Monday, May 25, 2020

The Marine Corps League of Woodstock Georgia Rifle Party honored fallen veterans with a three-volley salute in The Park at City Center for City of Woodstock, GA's 2020 Memorial Day Ceremony. Watch the entire virtual event at http://wdstk.ga/youtube

Posted by Woodstock Police, GA on Monday, May 25, 2020