SUFFOLK, Va. - The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) has canceled their annual public wreath laying event at the state's veterans cemeteries in Amelia, Dublin and Suffolk due to COVID-19.
“We sincerely regret that we must cancel the public portion of the annual wreath laying ceremonies normally held each December at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, and the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk,” said John Maxwell, VDVS Commissioner. “Because of safety concerns, along with recent restrictions on gatherings of more than 25 persons enacted to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, members of the public will not be able to participate this year in laying memorial wreaths on each veteran’s gravesite.”
Commissioner Maxwell added, “In lieu of a public event, VDVS cemetery staff will work with the volunteers of the Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk wreath committees to adorn all graves with wreaths at varying times on Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20.”
Families and the public are asked to delay visits to the cemeteries until after the wreath placements are completed on December 20.
All visitors to the Virginia state veterans cemeteries must wear face masks, practice social distancing and adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information about Virginia’s state veterans cemeteries including the latest information on visitation and guidelines, click here or call the cemetery office directly.
