POLAND — Village council is looking at a virtual Memorial Day ceremony.

Council President Mike Thompson came up with the idea to help the American Legion post in Poland pull off a 2021 ceremony that could reach Poland’s oldest people.

The memorial service had always started at the American Legion on Cortland Street, proceeded to the Main Street Bridge (state Route 170), then cut over via Riverside Drive to Riverside Cemetery by crossing U.S. Route 224. The bridge ceremony pays tribute to those lost at sea.

The suggestion is to film the ceremony at the bridge and at the cemetery, and then send copies of it to all of Poland’s nursing homes, and have it available for residents.

“The idea would be to offer (the American Legion post) the financial resources to do it this way, but they’re in charge of that ceremony,” Thompson said. “I don’t know if we would actually film a parade, but we would offer the Legion whatever they need to do a good ceremony, and let them decide. Memorial Day has always been their event.”

The suggestion during a council session last week was to hire a videographer costing about $2,500. That fee could be split between the village and the township. Council discussed the idea and Councilwoman Martha Morgan made the motion to contribute $1,250 toward the videographer. Councilman Sam Moffe seconded, and council unanimously approved it.

This year’s celebration will have an empty space in it following the death of Ted Heineman, who was heavily involved in the history of those buried at Riverside Cemetery, where Memorial Day ceremonies took place. Heineman died Jan. 17 at age 92. He leaves a legacy that can be viewed on the website www.Riversidecemeteryjournal.com.

Poland Historical Society member Dave Smith mentioned the loss.

“He was my mentor, and I shall miss him.”

jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com