SYLVANIA, Ohio — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many event cancelations across northwest Ohio, except the flag-placing event at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers over a three-day period help place more than 14,000 American flags at graves over the Memorial Day weekend.
The volunteers are usually from high school or veteran groups and companies, although members of the public can participate as well.
The beautiful sea of red, white and blue may not have been a sight this weekend at the park because of the coronavirus. But once Gov. Mike DeWine loosened his stay-at-home restrictions, the park's organizer figured out a way to get the event done.
Typically, volunteers gathered at the grounds operation shed to meet staff and pick up the flags, but social distancing was a concern.
This year, volunteers pick up the flags while in their vehicles at a tent near the park's entrance. They're given a map and then are separated in sections across 380 acres.
Volunteers place American flags at Toledo Memorial Park for Memorial Day weekend
"I've never put flags for veterans before," said Maria Scott, a volunteer. "I do have veterans in my family. It's nice to do something like this for people who have given so much and who have sacrificed. It's just a small piece of gratitude that we can give back to them."
Scott volunteered Wednesday along with her boyfriend and her boyfriend's family.
"We've been doing this as long as I can remember and we've been around 100 years and as long as we've been honoring veterans, we've been placing flags at Toledo Memorial Park. This would've been the first year that we wouldn't have done it so that would've been a big deal for us," President of Toledo Memorial Park Jeff Clegg said.
The flag placing event continues Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Parking will be on the eastern landscape, as well as a small tent and restrooms. Everyone must abide by 6 feet of social distancing and wear masks while near the tent area.
Small groups of no more than eight to 10 people and wear masks when appropriate.
No light refreshments will be offered this year due to spread concerns.