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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives in the past few months.

We’ve learned to keep our distance from each other. We’ve learned to wear facial masks, and we’ve learned not to shake hands.

In short we’ve learned to modify our way of life to help minimize the chance of spreading COVID-19.

That learning has also translated into the way we interact when we out and about again as businesses begin to reopen and events begin to be held again.

Such was the case Monday for the Memorial Day Parade from Vidalia to Natchez.

Traditionally for the past 154 years, participants have marched across the Mississippi River Bridge to meet at the Natchez Visitors Center before marching through downtown and up to the Natchez National Cemetery to honor our nation’s veterans who have laid down their lives in service to our country.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants drove vehicles across the bridge, through downtown and to the National Cemetery where they dispersed and a private wreath-laying ceremony was conducted.

It was different but despite the social distancing rules, Miss-Lou residents found a way to honor our veterans and keep a 154-year-tradition alive.

Hopefully, next year, if our efforts of social distancing have been successful at curtailing the spread of COVID-19, we will be able to celebrate in the traditional manner.