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WATCH: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery holds Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony

No public ceremony will be held this year due to pandemic

SAN ANTONIO – The Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery honored servicemen and women Wednesday morning with a private wreath-laying ceremony.

The ceremony included brief remarks, a moment of silence and the playing of taps.

WATCH: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery holds Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony

Wednesday’s ceremony was closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release. The traditional public Memorial Day ceremony has been canceled this year.

Memorial Day public ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will not be held this year

Instead, veterans, servicemembers, family members and the community were encouraged to view Wednesday’s ceremony via local media. View the full ceremony in the video player above.

“This year, by necessity, will be different from past Memorial Day observances,” said Aubrey David, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery director. “While we cannot hold a large Memorial Day program as was typical in years past, we will still honor veterans and service members with the dignity and respect they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”

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The cemetery will remain open on Memorial Day weekend for visitation.

Visitors are asked to adhere to health and safety guidelines, maintain physical distancing, and to consider visiting Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to avoid possible crowds on Monday. Families may continue the tradition of placing flowers and small American flags at their veteran’s gravesite.


About the Authors
Rebecca Salinas headshot

Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

David Ibañez headshot

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

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