Atlantic County will not have its traditional Veterans Memorial Program this Memorial Day.
But the county Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor will be open to visitors Monday.
All visitors to the Veterans Cemetery must strictly adhere to social distancing and limit any gatherings to 10 or less.
“This would have been our 36th year of holding this program that pays tribute to the sacrifice and service of our fallen veterans and honors their memories and extraordinary contributions,” county Executive Dennis Levinson said. “It is always very meaningful and well attended. We are certainly disappointed, but during these unusual times the health and safety of our residents must take precedence.”
A tribute video with excerpts from past ceremonies was posted to the county's YouTube channel Tuesday.
American flags will still be placed on the more than 5,500 graves at the cemetery.
The Veterans Cemetery is the final resting place for Atlantic County veterans and their spouses. It can currently accommodate 6,500 plots.
The county is now expanding the cemetery to include additional acreage, a columbarium that will hold up to 900 cremation urns, ADA-accessible parking and a new restroom facility.
Parking lots are limited to 50 percent capacity so visitors may need to park in alternate lots available within the park.
Park restrooms are open but playgrounds, pavilions, offices and buildings remain closed in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders related to COVID-19.
The Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery is located at 109 State Route 50, Mays Landing and is open daily, 7:30 a.m. to one-half hour before sunset.
For more information, call 609-909-5859.
