GRAFTON, W.Va. – The Grafton Memorial Day Parade Committee has cancelled the 2020 parade due to COVID-19 concerns.
“We went over any and all options we could,” Parade Committee Chair, Doug Robinson said,”We finally did, begrudgingly make the decision to go ahead and cancel the parade.”
Grafton is recognized as longest continuous running Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service in the country with origins back to the 1860’s.
“For many it’s going to be a heart breaker,” Robinson said,”We’re trying to find someway that we can do a contingency memorial, or something on the 25th to commemorate our fallen.”
In a Facebook post committee members released the following message:
“With great regret, we must announce that due to COVID-19, the restrictions in place for large gatherings, and our concern for the health and safety of all involved, we’ve made the difficult decision to officially cancel the 2020 WV Memorial Day Parade. Contingency plans will be discussed for a symbolic observance of some kind, if state restrictions allow, but in the event we can do this, any observance would NOT be open for the public. We hope you all will find a way to honor our fallen on your own this year, and we look forward to seeing you, and continuing this great tradition, in 2021.”
Robinson tells WAJR News he has participated in the parade for more than 45 years.
“I have never seen the Memorial Day Parade, I have either been in it as a student in the Grafton-Taylor County school system or i have worked it through the Memorial Day Committee,” said Robinson.
Unfortunately, Robinson says if they do come up with an alternative the public will not be able to attend.
“We are looking at doing some kind of memorial,” Robinson said,”Even if it’s something as simple as someone placing a wreath.”