May 20, 2020
Expert: Safely observe, remember Memorial Day during the pandemic
A Purdue University social scientist talks about other ways Americans can observe Memorial Day this year as many traditional ceremonies, parades and events have been postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Unsplash)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —Many events held over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to remember military personnel who have died during their time in service will be changed to comply with crowd guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A Purdue University social scientist who studies military families said the weekend can still be about remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, but in a different way.
Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, director of Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute and a professor in human development and family studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences, says sharing stories is an important part of the holiday.
“You can continue to observe and honor those who died by sharing a story, either through social media or through activities coordinated by veterans’ and military organizations,” MacDermid Wadsworth said. “You can help others learn about and understand the experiences of your family’s service and loss.”
Another way is to become a citizen archivist by volunteering to transcribe veteran service records, letters and correspondence for the National Archives or similar institutions with military records. Zooniverse, an organization that uses volunteers to assist with research, is needing assistance transcribing World War II documents and records and military records of African American soldiers in the Civil War.
A different aspect of Memorial Day is talking with veterans to gather their stories before they are lost.
“Organizations such as StoryCorps have apps to assist with recording and guides to help people know what and how to ask certain questions of veterans, as some experiences and stories may be hard to share and be emotional,” MacDermid Wadsworth said.
If a visit to a cemetery is planned, MacDermid Wadsworth encourages people to follow all social distancing, masking and hand-washing requirements.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.
Writer: Matthew Oates,765-586-7496, oatesw@purdue.edu,
Source: Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, shelley@purdue.edu, @MFRIPurdue
Note to Journalists: A photo of Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, as well as a stock photo, are available on Google Drive. MacDermid Wadsworth is available for phone or web-based video interviews.