Somber observances mark Memorial Day in Clayton, Concord

Placing of flags at the grave sites of fallen warriors in Concord, and laying of a wreath at the monument at Clayton’s town center marked the 2020 Memorial Day observances.

Ongoing restrictions, albeit eased by local health authorities, limited the wreath laying to a handful of individuals led by VFW Post 1525 Commander Mark Steinberg.

After the flag was lowered to half mast at 8 a.m. to remember those who gave their lives in the service to this nation, it was then raised again at noon. Whether by driving or by walking, resident practicing social distancing, were encouraged to come by later in this day to pay their respects.

In laying the wreath, Steinberg noted special remembrance is made to the Gold star families of which there are a few in the Concord and Clayton areas.

With all the attention on COVID-19, Steinberg acknowledged some danger in folks not remembering this day. Much thought is going toward health care workers and first responders who are on the front line fighting the latest pandemic.

Like those who gave lives serving in battle, their sacrifice has not been in vain.  So is it the effort of those working on the front lines of this pandemic will not be in vain nor forgotten either, Steinberg said.

“I hope people will take a few moments to reflect,” he added.

Local Boy Scouts also placed 2600 American flags, donated by Concord Ace Hardware, for the veterans who are laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Concord.

Special thanks also was extended to Clayton-based R&M Pools that donated the wreath for Clayton observance, and Clayton Garden Club for cleaning up the downtown Clayton memorial site.