Tributes, including some virtual ones, held on Memorial Day
AUSTIN, Texas - The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers to change the way Memorial Day tributes will be done.
A virtual Memorial Day ceremony honoring and remembering military and service members who made the ultimate sacrifice was held at 10 a.m. The ceremony featured Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven as the keynote speaker and Veterans Land Board Chairman and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush also delivered remarks.
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An in-person ceremony was held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks in Pflugerville at 11 a.m. The crowd was relatively small compared to the hundreds that usually attend.
Also due to health concerns around the coronavirus, Honor Flight Austin has postponed all of its trips for the remainder of 2020.
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The Board of Directors for Honor Flight Austin says it made the decision after an alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control advised adults over the age of 60 avoid all non-essential air travel. Most of the veterans on the flights fall into the CDC's high-risk category.
Honor Flight Austin accepts applications from veterans from World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War who live in Austin and the 14 surrounding counties. It hopes to have its next flight in the spring of 2021.
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Wreaths Across America is also encouraging people to fly their own American flags to observe Memorial Day and remember those fallen in service to our country and that they are never forgotten.
People are also reminded they can pay respects at the Texas State Cemetery which will be open today from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.