York County region to mark Memorial Day 2020 virtually. Here are ways to celebrate
Memorial Day is Monday.
South Carolina is starting to reopen following closures due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Local officials continue to recommend social distancing as new cases are reported.
Still, the Rock Hill American Legion plans to place American flags on veterans’ graves Sunday, said Commander Charles Swanger.
Here are some ways to safely mark the occasion Monday.
Virtual Memorial Day events
The Town of Fort Mill typically holds a Memorial Day event at its Veterans Park, but has decided to host it online this year due to coronavirus concerns. The town held its annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival online earlier this month.
Town staff will record various parts of the program and compile it into a single video participants can view on its social media platforms and website at 9 a.m. on Memorial Day.
The video also will play on Comporium channel 115, according to a release from town leaders.
At 3 p.m., the town will recognize a moment of remembrance and allow the public to post the name and branch of service of someone they want to honor.
“We have decided to do a virtual Memorial Day ceremony,” said Jacona Hester, town event planner. “We feel like we have planned an event that will both honor and remember all those that have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military, as well as commemorate Memorial Day.”
The event will have remarks from Mayor Guynn Savage, the posting of colors, patriotic music and other activities similar to past years. American Legion Post 43 will assist, along with state Rep. Raye Felder and the keynote speaker, Col. Sean Mulcahy. He is senior marine instructor at Nation Ford High School.
Catherine Bowman, an eighth grade student at Fort Mill Middle School, will sing the National Anthem. Nation Ford High School senior Emma Farrell will perform “America the Beautiful,” the release states.
Another virtual event will be held in York.
York County Councilman Robert Winkler said Monday night the event normally held at York County Veterans Memorial Park will stream live on Facebook. The event starts at 3 p.m. Sunday. The event each year honors 249 York County residents killed in wars and conflicts since World War I.
“Those are read each year as part of the memorial service,” Winkler said. “This year they’re doing a virtual service due to COVID, so that a lot of our older veterans who probably would show up don’t have to show up, or can’t show up for that, to protect everyone.”
Winkler said the event still will be a way to “honor those people that gave the ultimate sacrifice from York County.”
Guests can watch on the York County Veterans Memorial Park Facebook page.
Eating out
Diners are again allowed to eat inside restaurants. Several local eateries have taken extra precautions to reopen indoor dining spaces, including spacing tables at least 6-8 feet apart, The Herald previously reported.
Restaurants with outdoor spaces were allowed to welcome customers back sooner.
Residents should check with restaurants for specific policies.
Outdoors
Forecasts show Memorial Day will be met with sunny skies and a high near 81 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
At the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, families can enjoy time together on trails and open spaces. The greenway reopened last month after being closed due to COVID-19.
Trails are open to greenway members and visitors Monday through Thursday. Access is granted to only members on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to the greenway’s website. The nature preserve is open 7 a.m. to sunset.
The greenway has opened the on-site canteen for outdoor patio service only. The canteen is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for grab and go and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for full outdoor service Monday through Wednesday.
The canteen also is open for grab and go from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and for full outdoor service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Full service is available outdoors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Rock Hill has multiple trails, including in the Riverwalk area along the Catawba River.
South Carolina state parks reopened earlier this month.
Visitors to parks and on trails are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and park rules.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 2:31 PM with the headline "York County region to mark Memorial Day 2020 virtually. Here are ways to celebrate."
