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Carlisle Memorial Day parade canceled because of COVID-19

  • Becky Metrick/PennLive
FILE PHOTO: A statue of Frederick the Great stands on the grounds of the Carlisle Barracks, in Carlisle.

 Carolyn Kaster / The Associated Press

FILE PHOTO: A statue of Frederick the Great stands on the grounds of the Carlisle Barracks, in Carlisle.

Carlisle’s annual Memorial Day Parade has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Carlisle Veterans Council is looking to bring a memorial celebration to people’s homes.

According to a statement from the Council, plans are in development for a locally produced video.

“We have faced unprecedented restrictions over the last month as a result of the pandemic,” said Kirk Wilson, Council president. “Many of those who attend the parade and ceremony are veterans, who are among the most vulnerable in acquiring the disease.”

The Council said without direction from Gov. Tom Wolf on when the limitation on mass gathering will be rescinded, PennDOT cannot give permission to local municipalities to close roads and highways, which is needed to hold parades.

Another problem the Council faced was the school closures, as it meant there would be no high school bands available to participate in the parade. According to the statement, the Carlise Town Band had the same issue and have been unable to meet to rehearse.

“The Carlisle Joint Veterans Council wants to continue to observe that annual recognition begun over 150 years ago,” said Wilson. “Many warriors’ names have been added to the rolls of those who ‘gave their last full measure of devotion’ in successive wars. And as times have changed, so has technology.”

The Council said the planned video will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m., Monday, May 25, on the website: www.cumberlandvalleytv.com. Other groups or organizations that want to host the video on their websites should contact WIson at kirkrwilson@hotmail.com.

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