“Honoring our Fallen Heroes, Safely”

The Town of Chesapeake Beach asks citizens to honor our fallen heroes during the annual Stars and Stripes Festival, in an adjusted format to maintain public safety.

Chesapeake Beach, MD, May 7, 2020- Mayor Patrick J. “Irish” Mahoney announces a change, to the traditional schedule, of the annual Stars and Stripes Festival of the Town of Chesapeake Beach, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend 2020.

To continue to engage our Town citizens in the true meaning of Memorial Day, the Town of Chesapeake Beach will be joining residents to honor their family’s fallen heroes, highlighting homes decorated with the most patriotism and hosting a virtual Memorial Day Stars and Stripes event, on Memorial Day at 10 AM, with a special unveiling from Mayor Patrick “Irish” Mahoney. Residents are asked to submit images and a brief bio of a family member, friend or community member who is a fallen hero to honor their service and sacrifice. Submissions should be sent to the Town by the end of the day May 16 th via the submission form available on the Town website direct link: https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/home/news/honoring-our-fallen-heroes.

Residents are encourage to show their appreciation and patriotic spirit by decorating their homes with red, white and blue for all to see and enjoy and to display an American Flag on Memorial Day, Monday May 25, 2020.

“During this time of sacrifice, honoring our fallen heroes, those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, puts sacrifice into perspective” stated Mayor Patrick J. “Irish” Mahoney.

The Town sponsored Stars and Stripes Festival became an annual event following the inaugural festival in 2012. Over the years, the Festival has focused on numerous wars including The Civil War, World War I, World War II, The Korean War and The Vietnam War, hosting numerous historians, period actors and musical performers. The Stars and Stripes Committee continues to work within guidelines created by their mission statement, being; to continue educating our youth and our community of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Originally established as Decoration Day in 1868 by General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic, Memorial Day was a time for people to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers, wreaths and flags. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those men and women who perished while serving in America’s military. It is a time to focus on patriotism, bravery and the American spirit. There is no better time than now for all residents to embrace the true meaning of Memorial Day, considering the challenges we are all facing. Please visit our website for ways to tune into the Town’s virtual Memorial Day performance honoring our fallen heroes at www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov.

Full press release available here. 

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