WESTFIELD – With the current restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Westfield will be shifting its Memorial Day services to a pre-recorded broadcast on Channel 15.

In a press release, Westfield Veterans Services Director Julie Barnes explained that the pre-recorded ceremony will showcase several different events to commemorate the day and will air at 11 a.m. and throughout the day on Channel 15.

She wrote, “Gary Fontaine from American Legion Post 124 will lead the ceremony and Mayor Don Humason will deliver his remarks. There will be a wreath laying by Veterans Council members, a firing detail by American Legion Post 124 and taps will be played by a member of the Marine Corps League.”

Barnes said that it is in the best interests of everyone to switch to a broadcasted celebration. She said, “It is for the ultimate good of the general public, especially the senior population who have a large presence at military ceremonies.”

While the pre-recorded ceremony may be different from year’s past, Barnes said a quieter celebration may be more in line with what the day stands for. “It is almost in keeping with the solemnness of the Memorial Day holiday to keep things a little more quiet,” she said, “Maybe we can all take a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives for your freedoms.”

Barnes said that while it may be sad not to host the ceremony, she is hoping the community gets involved virtually. “We mill miss seeing all the faces of those who line the streets for this solemn occasion of Memorial Day. We encourage our Westfield residents to display their American flags and decorate their lawns in honor of Memorial Day,” she said.

She added that residents can send in photos of their display via email to julie.barnes@cityofwestfield.org for it to be displayed on the Veterans Services social media accounts.

Currently volunteers from the Veterans Council, Purple Heart Trail, and the Veterans Services Office are in the process of flagging veterans’ graves in each of the city’s nine cemeteries and Barnes said residents can contact her if their loved ones who served does not have a flag on their grave.

Barnes added that she is hoping things are back to normal by Veterans Day and can hold a celebration for all the veterans in the city.

“I hope that we will be back to normal by Veterans Day and we can have a big celebration. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service,” she said.