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By Dawn Burleigh

A Memorial Day tradition is honoring all Orange County veterans and those currently serving during it’s 17^th annual event set for Sunday, May 24, 2020.

This year, the event will be online only as the Heritage Veterans Memorial Plaza observes an abundance of caution due to COVID-19.

“We still wanted to do something to honor the memorial,” Michael Bell said.

A flyer for the event said out of respect for the President of The United States of America, the CDC, along with federal and local guidelines, this will be an ONLINE SERVICE ONLY.

In a desire to honor our Veterans but also to help protect their well-being, they would have the normal accommodations for our Veterans and their families to be on campus.

It will be a Live event for all to have access for easy viewing in the comfort of your own home.

Tears From a Grateful Heart is the center of the memorial located at 3810 M.L. King Drive in Orange.

Scott Stearman is the creator of the ‘Tears From a Grateful Heart’ sculpture and a past speaker at the event.

This year, due to the situation with the pandemic, the event will honor those on the Killed in Action plaque.

Each year there is the ringing of the bell as each name is read and a 21 gun salute for those who gave all.

To attend this year’s event, join from your home computer or any mobile internet device at Facebook: “Veterans Memorial Orange TX” or YouTube.com: Orange Naz Church

To place a veteran’s name in granite the cost is $40. Memorial messages may be added to bricks: 3-Line Bricks: $100; 4-Line Bricks: $125. For more information contact Mike Bell at (409) 460-3567 or michael.jay.bell@gmail.com