Board of Directors announces cancellation of Annual Meeting set for 22 October 2020.
The Board of Directors and Officers of the Beirut Veterans of America announced the cancellation of its Annual Meeting. Without knowing specifically the State’s health directives and logistics that may be in place, an adequate location could not be secured. Extreme limitations are in place for mass gatherings at both indoor and outdoor events. The indoor limitations were too strict to allow for a meeting. While outdoor venues had been secured, no seating, electricity or other amenities would be available.
It was determined that waiting to ‘see what happens’ in just two weeks was unfeasible, and it was important to get the word out now. While folks most likely don’t attend the Annual Memorial solely for the meeting, it's important make everyone aware so they could plan accordingly.
This is what we know:
The Annual 0600 Vigil will go forward per SOP as a private Memorial. Next of Kin, Beirut Veterans and Family Members are invited to participate. BVA will have appropriate candles with wax guards – please make every effort to keep wax off the deck! The Base has advised that by approximately 0700 they will commence preparations for the virtual event, and respectfully ask that once proper respects have been made, the workers be allowed to perform their duties.
The 1030 Memorial will be entirely virtual. The area will be roped off and there will be no bleachers or seating. General Gray and others will pre-record their comments which will also be available online; they will not be present for the Service. The shortened Service will be attended by invited participants only, such as the Color Guard, Chaplain and those that will lay the Wreaths. There will be media present to live-stream and it can viewed on the Jacksonville-Onslow Government TV Channel on local Spectrum cable, at www.G10TV.org, and on www.dvidshub.net. Other venues may be announced later.
Once the virtual Service and tapings have concluded, The Beirut Memorial Gardens will be opened.
As of this announcement, The Devil Dog Ceremony scheduled for 1400 will go forward.
We have received no official confirmation from the USO that it will be open, although rumors persist it may open for a few hours on 10/23. We will advise accordingly once we hear anything.
