A grassroots effort is underway to hold a Memorial Day rally in Diamond Park in Butler.

Organizers said they understand why the county canceled the annual Memorial Day parade, but they wanted to publicly honor and memorialize the county's military veterans. The rally is scheduled for noon May 25.

Jason Spink, of Butler, said he's not a veteran, but veterans should be honored and deceased veterans should be remembered, even though the parade was called off because of what he said was an unconstitutional state mandate.

Gov. Tom Wolf is prohibiting large gatherings and requiring social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The county applied to the Department of Transportation in Harrisburg for a permit to hold the parade in late March or early April, but was told no such permits are being issued, said John Cyprian, county veteran services director.

“Primarily, we're making this about the veterans, but it's also about the unconstitutional orders Gov. Wolf has sent down,” Spink said. “I'm not a veteran, but I appreciate the sacrifices they made and how they defended our Constitution. Taking away the day set aside to honor and memorialize them — I couldn't stand by and watch that happen.”

Efforts are under way to contact American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts to get the names of all county veterans who died since last Memorial Day, so those names can be read aloud at the rally, he said. Taps will be played after the names are read.

Since announcing the rally on social media earlier this week, motorcycle riding groups from several Legion posts have agreed to attend and people have volunteered to loan their convertible cars for veterans to sit in during the rally, Spink said.

“I love how the Butler community has come out in the last few days to volunteer to help. It's been nice to see,” Spink said.

Another organizer, Tom Donaldson, former mayor, said he will read the names of the fallen veterans and people will address the audience, but the speakers haven't been determined as of Wednesday.

“We're going to say a few words and call out the names of the veterans who have fallen in the last year. Just another peaceful get- together in downtown Butler,” Donaldson said.

Other details about the rally are still being worked out, he said.

He said he also believes the state should allow all businesses to open and let people decide whether they feel safe enough to shop.

“Let people make the choice. If you're comfortable coming downtown, come downtown,” Donaldson said.