Coronavirus concerns lead to small but respectful Memorial Day ceremony in Merced

A private Memorial Day service was held Monday at a Merced Cemetery District cemetery in Merced, kept smaller than usual this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ed Benes, commander of the American Legion Post 83, led the short ceremony that featured a flag raising, taps played by 76-year-old United States Air Force veteran and bugler Bill Dacus and a prayer read by 73-year-old United States Army veteran Josi Fragnito-Lira.

Benes said the post holds a Memorial Day service every year that usually draws a large gathering. This year’s event was scaled back to meet county health regulations. and omitted the usual 21-gun salute.

The result was a small but respectful ceremony, according to Benes.

“We wish it could be a bigger ceremony open to the public,” Benes said. “But our veterans know and our families know that our departed brothers and sisters are remembered and that’s what Memorial Day is about, is remembrance.”

Note: This story has been changed from a previous version that incorrectly identified the cemetery

This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 1:10 PM.