by
Buy PhotoService members place flags on graves at Arlington National Cemetery before Memorial Day in 2012. (Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer require masks or social distancing at its 155 national veterans cemeteries for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The VA is also lifting its restrictions on gathering sizes at funeral services starting Wednesday. The new rules go into effect days before Memorial Day weekend, which is expected to draw many visitors to veterans cemeteries across the country.
“We are lifting the limits on the number of people who can attend a committal service at all of our 155 national cemeteries,” said Ronald Walters, the acting undersecretary for memorial affairs at the VA. “I’m sure many families will be happy to get the news that there’s no longer a limit on the number of people who can attend a service.”