Date: November 6, 2020
Contact: David Galin
Email David Galin
(518) 434-5100
For Immediate Release
City of Albany and the Joint Veterans Committee Cancel Veterans Day Parade Due to COVID-19
Wreath Laying Events Will Take Place to Recognize This Important Day
ALBANY, NY – Due to the continued risk associated with COVID-19 and the need to remain socially distant, the 2020 Veterans Day Parade has been canceled.
In lieu of the normal parade activities, the Joint Veterans Committee will be honoring our Veterans with two wreath laying ceremonies on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Attendees are required to wear masks and remain socially distant from others who attend the ceremonies. The number of attendees at each site will be limited to 50 people to remain in compliance with Center for Disease Control and New York State COVID guidelines.
“While it saddens me not to be able to appropriately recognize our Veterans this year on Veterans Day, we must follow COVID protocols to do our part to deter large gatherings and continue to flatten the curve,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Despite the different look of this year’s commemoration, our utmost gratitude and respect for our Veterans and their families remains steadfast.”
“The Joint Veterans Committee of the City of Albany wish to say thanks and offer continued support to all our Veterans and families in the Capital District and beyond,” said Mark Rosenzweig, US Army Ret., Chairman of the City of Albany Joint Veterans Committee.
At 11:00 a.m. there will be a gathering at Mater Christi Memorial Grove, located at 162 South Lake Avenue. The Albany High School JROTC Color Guard, led by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lubinski will attend. Gold Star Father, Gerry Seyboth will give opening remarks and prayer followed by wreath laying by a member of the American Gold Star Mothers Albany Chapter. A moment of silence will be observed followed by Amazing Grace being played by Michelle Perkinson of NYS Department of Corrections Emerald Society Pipe Band.
An APD escort will accompany attendees traveling from the first location to the Vietnam and Gold Star Memorials in Layette Park, located on Washington Ave opposite the Capitol Building by 12:00 p.m.. Vietnam Veteran and President of Tri County Vietnam Era Veterans, Joseph Pollicino, will provide opening remarks and American Gold Star Mother, Kim Vandenburg, will recite a prayer followed by wreath laying at the Vietnam Memorial by members of Tri County Vietnam Era Veterans and a moment of silence. Then a wreath will be laid at the Gold Star Family Monument by Gold Star Family Members who are present followed by a moment of silence and Taps.
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