Some Philadelphia-area Memorial Day ceremonies move online because of the pandemic

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Memorial Day 2020 will be like no other in recent memory.

People will not be able to gather due to the pandemic, but groups are still making sure that the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice are honored.

At the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial at Philadelphia's Penn's Landing, there were 648 flags placed in honor of servicemembers lost in the war.

There was also a sign posted, letting people know the annual ceremony would be held online.

Likewise, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial honored the fallen during an online service.

There was also a service held at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetary in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

Governor Phil Murphy was among the speakers, saying that while COVID-19 may have altered the way it's done, nothing will stop America from remembering those who battled against the spread tyranny and injustice.

"This is a solemn day. A day to remember our hallowed and fallen dead. A day to remember those who gave this nation their full measure," he said.

Officials and organizers across the area recognize the virtual ceremonies are not the same as in-person events, but they are trying to adjust.

"Planting flags at gravesites, doing wreath layings, things of that nature are unfortunately not happening this year - for the first time since the end of the Civil War, when Memorial Day first started," said Carlo Aragoncillo, Director of Philadelphia Veterans Affairs. "This is unprecedented."