A different kind of Memorial Day in Ocean Pines

(May 25, 2020) On an overcast day, with just a few dozen people in attendance, members of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation hosted a sparse and solemn Memorial Day in Ocean Pines – essentially, just a raising of the flags.

Normally, the event held at the Veterans Memorial grounds draws thousands of people from all across the region, with guest speakers, a full chorus belting out military fight songs, local Junior ROTC squads offering the presentation of colors, and a rousing 21-gun salute finale. 

This year, as with everything else – because of COVID-19 – things were a little different. 

“Thank you, everybody, for joining us today. It’s very different for all of us and let’s hope we never have to do it this way again,” Marie Gilmore, Memorial Foundation president, said by way of a brief introduction.  

Next year, Gilmore promised, would be “one heck of a 15th-year celebration” for the memorial.  

“Today, the important thing is that we’re all together and we’re all honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives for their country,” Gilmore said.  

Behind Gilmore, a small group of volunteers raised the American flag full-staff, along with flags honoring each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.  

Dick Tanner, who once served with the First Marine Division in Vietnam, played taps on a bugle while the small crowd, many dressed in patriotic colors, with shirts, hats and banners showing their service, watched from the field nearby.  

“I appreciate that you wanted to be here today. This place – this memorial – this Memorial Day – means a lot to all of us,” Gilmore said.  

Elsewhere in Ocean Pines, Don McMullen raised the American flag to full staff at the Golf Club, with Association President Doug Parks and General Manager John Viola in attendance.  

Others in the community planned to take part in the nationwide “Taps Across America” event, sounding a bugle call at 3 p.m. to honor fallen U.S. soldiers.  

After the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, Gilmore added, “This certainly was a very different year ... we’ve never had to do it quite like this.” 

Gilmore said the day is meant as a solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives while bravely serving their country and defending the freedoms that so many hold dear. 

“We wanted to do something that was appropriate for the meaning of today,” Gilmore said. “Next year, hopefully, the Veterans Memorial will be able to get back together ... today, it was just important to remember those who gave their lives for us.” 

To view a video of the ceremony, visit https://youtu.be/D-_t4QDoHWA.  

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, visit www.opvets.org.