To be or not to be....the 2020 Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade.

Hey Everyone:

Recently, we had to make the decision to cancel the 2020 Memorial Day Parade.  This has always been our event, I think more so than most, that is our little piece of Americana.  For those that have participated in it (I did as a child) or have watched from the street, you know what I am talking about.  It has always been and will always be (as long as I'm around) a cherished community event.  We announced the cancelation on our Township FaceBook page and, to my surprise, received a little push back and some second guessing.  Some believed that the decision was made too early, and others thought it should go on as scheduled.  So I thought I would share a little more about the decision process with you all.

Initially, I will tell you that the decision was not very difficult to make.  Yes, it was a disappointing decision to have to make, but it was not difficult.  We are in the midst of a public health pandemic of the likes we have not experienced in our lifetime.  Protecting the health and safety of the community and our employees cannot and should not be compromised for a parade; no matter how desperately a community may need it emotionally and mentally.

Some questioned whether the decision was made too early.  It was not.  What many may not know, have not considered or fully appreciate is the time, effort and manpower put into planning such an event.  These events are not just about designating a date, time and location and we all just show up.  Rather, it takes a lot of work and organization both by the event planners and the groups that participate.  The planning for such an event takes at least two months or more.  Waiting to the last moment to decide whether to have it or not is simply not an option.  It is not a wise use of our time and resources, nor is it reasonable to expect the level of participation required to actually make a parade.

Although the residents that come out and situate themselves along the parade route to cheer on the participants could still do so in safety with social distancing, I am not sure what they would be cheering for.  Unfortunately, but understandably, we have received very few commitments to participate in the parade from people, clubs, and organizations that had done so in the past.  Also, I am very reluctant to have our first responders: our fire fighters, EMTs, and police officers gather together and participate in the parade....risk their health and safety... and put in jeopardy their ability to effectively serve the community when they are really needed.  We have been extremely fortunate maintaining a healthy and functioning work force by being smart in what we do in our jobs and how we do our jobs that serve this community. 

Our Memorial Day Parade is all about celebrating "community."  It is the gathering together of residents, clubs, associations, bands, vendors, veterans, etc.  Allowing this event to take place knowing what we know about this public health crisis, which involves the spreading of a highly contagious virus with no known cure or vaccine, that continues to cause illness and death, would be irresponsible in my opinion.  As much as we want to "re-open" and return to some normalcy, I think it is most appropriate to be guided by our trusted health professionals to fight this virus with common sense decision making.  We can live through disappointment, but some of us may not live through the Coronavirus.  I know, that was a dramatic line, but not untrue.  

There will come a time when we will celebrate our "community" again with parades and events when it is safe to do so.  And we will appreciate those moments and events so much more now that we have had them taken away from us this year.  For now, let's be smart, protect ourselves, and by doing so limit the risk that we put our healthcare workers in who have been providing care and comfort to those of us that are sick or dying from this virus.  I hope the decision makes better sense to you all now.  We will figure out a safe way to honor those that have served in our U.S. Military.  Stay safe and well!