The COVID-19 pandemic could not stop local veterans groups from celebrating Memorial Day.

Jones-Quigg American Legion Post 739, Hokendauqua, held private services to honor those veterans who lost their lives in service to the country. Donald S. Reinert Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7293, Egypt, held a livestreamed service on its Facebook page for those who wanted to pay their respects from the safety of their homes.

A larger attendance greeted the Stanley W. Reinhard Jr. American Legion Post 426, Coplay, honor guard contingent as they kicked off the annual Memorial Day weekend ceremony May 24 at the Coplay Saengerbund on South Fifth Street.

Despite being in the red phase, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, Legion Post 426 Commander Lawrence Gutleber felt it was their duty to honor service members fallen in defense of the nation.

Established in the 1930s, the Coplay Legion has held this gathering for decades. Roland Yudt, Legion Post financial officer and membership chair, has participated in the event for many years.

Always a solemn ceremony, the honor guard, along with members of the Coplay Legion ladies auxiliary, begin at the war memorial at the Coplay Saengerbund. A prayer is read, followed by a gun salute. The service concludes with the playing of taps.

The group repeats the ceremony at the St. Peter’s cemetery, St. John’s cemetery, the Stiles war memorial, Coplay Cemetery, Coplay veterans plaza and the Coplay-Northampton Bridge to place a wreath in the Lehigh River. The program ends at the Post headquarters on South Second Street.

Masking and social distancing were observed to a great extent to make the outdoor event safer.

On hand for the ceremony was Beverly Reinhard, a lifelong Legion supporter and the widow of Stanley W. Reinhard, for whom the Post is named. Their two daughters, Penny and Jodi, were also in attendance. Jodi assumed the role of the bugler at the ceremony. Also participating as a member of the honor guard carrying the U.S. flag was Jeff Reinhard, Stanley and Beverly’s son.

Gutleber, at the close of the ceremony, expressed gratitude to all who attended to make the 2020 ceremony a success.