MARION — To honor the troops, but discourage crowds, Selectmen said in a May 5 meeting that the town will observe Memorial Day with the help of ORCTV at a closed ceremony. 

Memorial Day committee member Andrew Bonney said that although the parade is cancelled and there won’t be a public memorial ceremony due to coronavirus concerns, there will be a “suitable memorial” to those who served and continue to fight for the nation. 

Working with Sippican School, ORCTV will compile pre-recorded videos of different messages of thanks to veterans into a montage and broadcast it on TV and post online. The channel will also film a closed ceremony of the reading of Marion veterans and a playing of taps for viewers to watch later. 

Town Administrator Jay McGrail said that it was a “difficult decision” to cancel the events, but is necessary for the safety of residents.