COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings will not prevent the cities of Avondale, Buckeye and Litchfield Park from honoring America’s war dead on Memorial Day, though all three cities have canceled their traditional public events this year.

Avondale will offer ways for people to honor the fallen on social media Monday, May 25. Buckeye and Litchfield Park will hold virtual ceremonies that day.

Avondale

Residents can visit avondaleaz.gov/memorial day beginning next week to download and print an image they can post on entry doors or windows, Avondale Communication & Marketing Program Manager Ingrid Melle said via email.

“We invite anyone to take a photo of how it is displayed, and feel free to share that with us, and/or share images of those they may be honoring via Instagram and use the hash tag #AvondaleMemorialDay,” Ms. Melle said. Those not on Instagram can upload images at the above website and view others’ photos.

Residents also are invited to visit Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, throughout the day to stroll veterans walkway and view memorial bricks at the outside amphitheater, where the city’s Memorial Day ceremonies are traditionally held.

Ms. Melle said residents also are invited to leave flowers in honor of fallen service members at the flag pole memorial at Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery, 3900 Santa Fe Trail, Avondale.

Buckeye

Buckeye’s virtual ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. May 25 on the city’s Facebook events page, facebook.com/Buckeyeazevents, Communications Manager Annie DeChance said in an email.

The ceremony will begin with members of the Buckeye Fire Department posting the colors to bagpipe music. City Public Works Director Scott Lowe, a retired U.S. navy lieutenant commander, will give the keynote address, followed by a POW/MIA bell ceremony led by John and Donna Busby.

"The event is a collaboration from the Buckeye Patriotic Committee that includes members from the city, the American Legion, Buckeye Elks, Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association," Ms. DeChance said.

Litchfield Park

Litchfield Park’s virtual ceremony will begin at 7 a.m. May 25 and can be viewed at facebook.com/eventsinlp, Special Events Coordinator Tricia Kramer said via email.

It will feature a representative of Blue Star Moms of the Southwest Valley placing a fresh wreath donated by Litchfield Park Albertsons at the World War II memorial on the grounds of Litchfield Elementary School and the playing of “Taps.”

A static display of flags representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and a remembrance book will be available until 7 p.m. at the site for anyone who would like to stop by during the day to write a note or leave the name of an honored service member. The memorial is on the west side of the school, at 255 E. Wigwam Blvd.