The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), the City of Vancouver, and the National Park Service will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, 2020, sponsored by Waste Connections. This year, the event which has brought thousands to the national park’s parade ground annually, will be quite different than in years past, as we honor veterans while also respecting social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CVTV will be broadcasting a special program, prepared in advance and airing May 25 at 3:00pm and 9:00pm, featuring remarks by Larry Smith and Mike Burton, representing CMAC, Tracy Fortmann, the Superintendent of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, the Mayor of Vancouver, Anne McEnerny-Ogle, as well as Meredith McMackin, a Gold Star Mother. The keynote speaker will be General Donna Prigmore of the Oregon National Guard. Speakers are recording their messages separately and many chose to be filmed in locations meaningful to veterans and local military history. The program will also be available on CVTV cable channel 23/323HD and on www.cvtv.org.

Music within the broadcast program, filmed in advance, will be provided by the 204th Army Band, Vancouver Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums, Vancouver Police Department, and VFW Post 7824 Honor Guard.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said, “The coronavirus pandemic prevents us from gathering this year together as we normally would, but consistent with guidance from national, state, and local public health authorities, we are safely observing Memorial Day. By videotaping speakers’ remarks this year from different locations, we are responsibly doing our part for our community, our health care heroes, other front-line workers and first responders, and those who are vulnerable.”

CMAC Co-Chair Larry Smith stated, “The Memorial Day Observance honors those who have given their lives for our country, and although not the public event and living history re-enactment we have enjoyed in the past, we still have an opportunity to show our respect and support for the men and women of our armed forces.”

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle stated, “It was so very important that we – as a community – observed Memorial Day this year, and we are taking the time to reflect and recognize, in a safe manner, our fallen soldiers who have given all to our nation.”

CMAC is an all-inclusive group composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veterans groups, and local governments. CMAC executes and plans community-wide events, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Our Community Salutes, and POW/MIA Day ceremonies, as well as recognition and support of military families of all services. Learn more about CMAC at www.cmac11.com.