Gwinnett County will hold a virtual Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen military and law enforcement members this year.
The county government typically holds an in-person ceremony, but is opting to do it online because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control discourages the gathering of more than 10 people, as large groups could make it easier for the virus to spread.
The virtual ceremony will not skimp on the features usually included in person. There will still be a performance of the National Anthem and Taps, as well as a three-volley salute. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash, Commissioner Marlene Fosque and Fallen Heroes Committee Advisory Board members Carolyn Buice and Ron Buice will deliver remarks via video, a county press release said.
The keynote speaker will be retired Marine Col. Parker Miller, a Vietnam War veteran who also served in an attack helicopter squadron in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and North seas. Before retiring from the military, Miller reached the position of branch head for Navy programs, legislative affairs, according to the county. Miller now works as senior vice president of manufacturing company Curtiss-Wright.
The ceremony can be viewed on TVgwinnettlive.com at 1 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. It will also be posted on the county’s Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo pages.