Vets return to Memorial Day traditions as pandemic eases

Army veteran Willie Ransom poses at the American Legion Lodge named after his son, Air Force Major Charles Ransom in Midlothian, Va., Thursday, May 27, 2021. The younger Ransom was among eight U.S. Airmen killed when an Afghan military pilot opened fire at the Kabul airport in 2011. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bob Workman of Boston, a retired Marine Gunnery Sgt., and past commander of the Boston Police VFW, searches for veteran's graves to make sure flags are placed at each one ahead of Memorial Day, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in the Fairview Cemetery in Boston. After more than a year of isolation, military veterans say wreath-laying ceremonies, barbecues at local vets halls and other familiar traditions are a welcome chance for them to reconnect with fellow service members and renew solemn traditions honoring the nation's war dead. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

A volunteer walks through a field of American flags planted on Boston Common ahead of Memorial Day, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Boston. After more than a year of isolation, American veterans are embracing plans for a more traditional Memorial Day. They say wreath-laying ceremonies, barbecues at local vets halls and other familiar events are a welcome chance to reconnect with fellow service members and renew solemn traditions honoring the nation’s war dead. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

A volunteer places American flags on Boston Common ahead of Memorial Day, Wednesday. May 26, 2021, in Boston. After more than a year of isolation, American veterans are embracing plans for a more traditional Memorial Day. They say wreath-laying ceremonies, barbecues at local vets halls and other familiar events are a welcome chance to reconnect with fellow service members and renew solemn traditions honoring the nation’s war dead. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

Army veteran Willie Ransom poses at the American Legion Lodge named after his son, Air Force Major Charles Ransom in Midlothian, Va., Thursday, May 27, 2021. The younger Ransom was among eight U.S. Airmen killed when an Afghan military pilot opened fire at the Kabul airport in 2011. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Bob Workman of Boston, a retired Marine Gunnery Sgt., and past commander of the Boston Police VFW, replaces flags at veteran's graves ahead of Memorial Day on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in the Fairview Cemetery in Boston. After more than a year of isolation, American veterans are embracing plans for a more traditional Memorial Day. After more than a year of isolation, military veterans say wreath-laying ceremonies, barbecues at local vets halls and other familiar traditions are a welcome chance for them to reconnect with fellow service members and renew solemn traditions honoring the nation's war dead. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

FILE - In this March 20, 2021, file photo, Navy veteran Ronnie Jackson, of Blakeslee, Pa., receives a COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Fran McLean at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Plains Township, Pa. After more than a year of isolation, American veterans are embracing plans for a more traditional Memorial Day. Advocates say it’s also a time to take stock of the veteran lives lost to the coronavirus and to recommit to vaccinating those who remain reluctant. (Sean McKeag/The Citizens' Voice via AP)

Craig DeOld, a retired Army Captain, and commander of the Boston Police VFW, replaces flags at veteran's graves Thursday, May 27, 2021, in the Fairview Cemetery in Boston. After more than a year of isolation, American veterans are embracing plans for a more traditional Memorial Day. “We’re breathing a sigh of relief that we’ve overcome another struggle, but we’re also now able to return to what this holiday is all about — remembering our fallen comrades.” (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)