Oldest continuous Memorial Day parade in the nation continues, despite COVID-19

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FERNDALE, Ca. (KIEM)-Since the COVID -19 pandemic began many outdoor events such as parades have been canceled a more than 133 year-old Memorial Day tradition, however, continued today with social distancing in mind.

“We knew we were going to do this, we just didn’t know how we would get it done,” Richard Harpham. 

A member of Native Sons of the-Golden West, Harpham served as Master of Ceremonies.

“A couple of members come up with some ideas and we were able to work something out, that would satisfy the current rules but to satisfy our need to honor our veterans here in Ferndale,” he said.

Local military veterans were able to continue their traditional processions of honor beginning at the Ferndale Veterans Hall to the Ferndale Cemetery.

Commander of the Ferndale Post of the American Legion says, it’s the longest continuing Memorial Day parade in the nation. She says based on documents this event dates back to 1887.

“So we have that special feature here, we did what we had to do to keep honoring our veterans, and we cannot letting a year go by without honoring them properly,” said Christina Chapman.

Normally the parade route goes down Main Street….however this year…an alternative route was planned which allowed the parade to be viewed from resident’s homes and parked cars along the path.

Onlookers waived as the mini-convoy of military vets passed by them.

Some kids could barely hold-in their excitement as flashing lights could be seen in the distance.

Before the parade reached their final destination participating veterans walked the remainder of the route to Ferndale Cemetery, where a private service was held, with singing, doves and a gun salute.

The service ended in prayer and an expression of gratitude.

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier remained open all day for community members to lay flowers on the grave.

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