Wisconsin holds virtual Memorial Day ceremony

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It was a Memorial Day like we’ve never seen before.

The large gatherings we usually see were replaced by virtual ceremonies, like the one held by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

Gov. Evers held a Facebook live moment of silence, and a virtually ceremony was posted on the Wisconsin Veteran’s Affairs website.

But some people did stop down to the Milwaukee County War Memorial Monday afternoon.

“Surprised how quiet it is,” said Brian Rothergery, who visited the memorial Monday. "Normally there would probably be some major event today,” he said.

“Unfortunately they don’t have a lot going on, you see more flags and stuff like that but not today, and they would have it open, but not today,” said Navy Veteran Mark Hughes.

“Please join me in a moment of silence to pay tribute and honor these fallen heroes,” said Gov. Evers during the online ceremony.

Even without the ability to gather in groups, leaders said it was still important to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.

“Our ceremonies are certainly different his year, but the meaning behind them remain the same,” said WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs Secretary Mary Kolar.

“We still can honor and express our sincerest gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen who died in defense of our nation and our values,” said Sec. Kolar.

“That’s great that there are virtual alternatives to get together and continue the tradition, I think that’s awesome,” said Rothgery.

Watch the WDVA's virtual ceremony below: