Memorial Day ceremonies take precautions into account

McCOOK, Neb. -- The coronavirus pandemic has made itself felt throughout the region, with changes ranging from social distancing restrictions to ceremonies replaced with a virtual observance.

While there will be no traditional service in McCook, residents are asked to observe Memorial Day virtually at veterans.nebraska.gov {https://bit.ly/36ibAOE} from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, and McCook American Legion Post 203 asks that residents pause at 11:58 a.m. Monday to reflect on the sacrifices U.S. veterans endured throughout our history.

On Saturday, however, the Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars invite volunteers to meet to help set out flags at Calvary, Memorial Park and Riverview cemeteries at 8:45 a.m. and return by 3:45 p.m. Monday to help retrieve the flags. Safety precautions will be observed.

Culbertson Memorial Day services will be held at the Culbertson Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday. Tami Moore of McCook, a Culbertson native, will be featured speaker.

Safety requirements will be followed and those in attendance are asked to stay in their cars and park single file so other cars can pass safely. There will be no dinner following the ceremony.

Indianola Memorial Day services will be conducted by American Legion Post 344 at 10 a.m. Monday at the Indianola Cemetery, and social distancing rules will be followed.

In Stratton, the Memorial Day program that normally is held at the Veterans Memorial Hall will not take place, but there will be a short ceremony at the cemetery at 10 a.m.

A limited number of flags will be put up and assistance from outside the community will not be needed. Those who attend are asked to follow social distancing recommendations.

The Danbury Depot Museum will not be open over the Memorial Day weekend.