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NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Weekly Newsletter
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A Flag, a Flower, a Moment of Memorial
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This coming Memorial Day, many of our sacred traditions will be put on hold to limit the spread of COVID-19. Although we will not gather publicly, we will still come together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This tradition will endure.
Join the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services and the United War Veterans Council for “A Flag, a Flower, a Moment of Memorial,” a virtual remembrance of America’s fallen servicemembers.
To participate, take a photo of yourself with an American flag and a flower. Share the photo on social media along with your thoughts on why Memorial Day is important to you. You can also record a video reflecting on the holiday. Use the hashtag #FlagFlowerMemorial and we will share some of the remembrances on our social media channels.
You can also express your reverence by adding our special #FlagFlowerMemorial Facebook frame to your profile photo. Learn more here.
If you have any questions, contact us at connect@veterans.nyc.gov.
We hope you will join our effort!
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Have a Safe and Joyous Memorial Day
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Celebrate Safely this Memorial Day
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New York State will allow Memorial Day ceremonies with 10 people or less, at the discretion of local governments. Governor Cuomo stated: “It’s important to the veterans that they are recognized, and I think we can do that, and I think we can do it safely.”
DVS encourages all New Yorkers to wear a mask and practice social distancing during Memorial Day celebrations. We will continue to prioritize the safety and security of our community during this sacred holiday.
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VA National Cemeteries Open on Memorial Day
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VA national cemeteries will be open to the public on Memorial Day and families will be able to place flowers and small American flags at their veteran’s gravesite. Visitors are asked to wear masks and maintain physical distancing while visiting. To avoid crowds on Memorial Day, please consider visiting the cemetery on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
According to the VA, each VA national cemetery will conduct a brief wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. The ceremonies will not be open to the public and other public events associated with Memorial Day at national cemeteries, including group placement of flags at gravesites, will not take place.
The VA National Cemetery Administration will live stream several wreath-laying ceremonies and share videos and photographs from the events on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
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The Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) website features a memorial page for each veteran interred in a VA national cemetery. Families and friends can now leave a comment on a veteran’s page to pay tribute, share memories, and express their appreciation.
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We encourage NYC veterans to get tested for COVID-19 if they:
- have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of appetite or smell), regardless of age, chronic conditions, or occupation
- come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, regardless of symptoms
- work in a nursing home, shelter, or adult care facility, regardless of symptoms
Free testing is available to anyone with symptoms. Find a testing site here.
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NYC needs a complete and accurate count in order to have the data, funding, and representation we deserve. The 2020 Census is 100% safe, easy, and directly serves the veteran community. According to the VA: "veterans benefit directly when their communities are counted correctly. An accurate count is especially crucial for veterans in rural communities, those with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness."
Fill out the 2020 Census today:
online at https://my2020census.gov/
by phone: 844-330-2020
or by returning the mail-in form
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COVID-19 Veteran Resources
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COVID-19-Related Illness:
Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is a new health condition associated with COVID-19 that is appearing in NYC children. Learn more about this multisystem inflammatory syndrome by reviewing this fact sheet from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Childhood Vaccines
Vaccination rates are falling during the pandemic as fewer doctors’ offices are open and families stay home.
Vaccinations are offered for free at over 1,000 NYC facilities and at all NYC Health and Hospitals clinics. To make an appointment to vaccinate your child, call your childcare provider or 844-NYC-4NYC. Learn more about vaccines here.
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Memorial Day 2020:
Virtual Events and Celebrations
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The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard have launched Virtual Fleet Week New York 2020 from May 20th through May 26th. The week-long virtual event will be hosted on Fleet Week New York's social media channels:
Online events will highlight the men and women of the sea services and include performances by Navy Band Northeast, US Navy parachute team the Leap Frogs, US Navy divers, and much more.
Followers are encouraged to check back each day as new content is added to the line-up.
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Fleet Week Follies: Conversation Project
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On Saturday, May 23rd, Waterwell will host the digital edition of their annual Fleet Week Follies, featuring performances from Freestyle Love Supreme and the American Military Spouses Choir.
The event will also bring together servicemembers, veterans, civilians, and essential workers for a series of virtual conversations on life during COVID-19. A member of the NYC arts community and a military servicemember will co-facilitate. Learn how you can join the Conversation Project here.
WHEN:
Saturday, May 23 | 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
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Frank E. Campbell:
The Funeral Chapel First Annual Memorial Day Tribute
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On Monday, May 25th, the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel will hold the First Annual Memorial Day Tribute to honor active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and NYC's first responders. You can watch the ceremony online here.
WHEN:
Monday, May 25th | 12:00 pm - 12:45
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