Brookfield trustees have canceled the township’s annual Memorial Day observance, which typically includes a parade through the center of town, a ceremony with the reading of the names of veterans who have died in the last year and a speaker at the cemetery, and a luncheon at the township social hall.
Although officials had already done some planning, Trustee Dan Suttles said that without definite knowledge of whether crowds will be allowed to gather by Memorial Day, officials might not have time to arrange the event.
promoIt would be difficult to keep social distancing standards in that setting, if they still are in place, he said.
Suttles said he had talked with Jean McKenzie of the Brookfield Rotary Club, which helps in the planning, and she agreed that canceling was for the best.
“I think we’ll have some of the most vulnerable people that could be affected by this COVID-19 that would be attending the event, and I just think it’s in their best interest to do what you’re asking,” said Trustee Ron Haun.
“I agree. I agree,” said Trustee Gary Lees.
Brookfield Road Department Supt. Jaime Fredenburg said he still plans to place flags on the graves of veterans buried in the cemetery, but volunteer help will not be solicited and township employees will do the work themselves.