SPANISH FORT, Ala. – The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort will honor our Nation’s veterans by hosting a virtual Memorial Day program on May 25.  In the best interest of public health and safety, and in compliance with guidelines by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), the cemetery will not hold a public ceremony as a precautionary measure to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While a public program cannot be held at the cemetery, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) will honor those who have sacrificed for their country with the highest degree of dignity and respect. The state veterans cemetery will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony, folding of an American Flag, a moment of silence followed by a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.  In addition, an American Flag will be placed at each veteran’s grave by the cemetery staff.  Although the program is closed to the public, the cemetery will be open for visitation from dawn to dusk on Memorial Day.  The ADVA is encouraging visitors to maintain physical distancing while visiting the cemetery.

The public may view the Memorial Day program on May 25 by visiting ADVA’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/alsdva.