Atlantic County Veterans Memorial Program Canceled but Cemetery Is Open
Atlantic County Veterans Memorial Program Canceled but Cemetery Is Open
The Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery located within the county park in Estell Manor is open and will be accessible to visitors who wish to pay their respects for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
However, due to the current state restrictions for gatherings and events, Atlantic County will be unable to hold its traditional Veterans Memorial Program.
“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,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “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.”
Levinson noted one tradition that will not be missed – the placement of small American flags on the more than 5,500 gravesites.
‘To commemorate Memorial Day, we have created a tribute video with excerpts from past ceremonies to share with our veterans and the general public,” said Levinson.
The video is currently available on the county’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Cl-X2p9GU and will be accessible from the county’s website Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 at www.aclink.org.
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.
All visitors to the Veterans Cemetery must strictly adhere to social distancing and limit any gatherings to 10 or less. Parking lots are limited to 50% 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 AM to one-half hour before sunset. For more information, please call (609) 909-5859.
