Memorial Day 2020 promised to be low key at best and perhaps, even, a disappointment. The rigors of COVID-19 social distancing ruled out parades and large group celebrations. Without those, it was difficult to imagine how to remember the fallen with real power and reverence.
Still there were those who refused to forget our brave military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And, in conjunction with the current technology wielded by Cortron Media to blend a hybrid program of live streaming video and pre-recorded events, the decision was made to step out into new territory for the principals involved and work hard and fast (with only a three week lead time), to produce a memorable and worthy tribute. After what seemed like dozens of live “zoom” online planning meetings, a “virtual” Memorial Day tribute titled “Remembering Together, Pittsburgh” began taking shape!
There would be two parts to the production, a live sequence shot at Pittsburgh’s venerable Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum; and a series of pre-recorded, short videos provided by veteran service organizations, elected officials and individuals paying tribute to family members who served the country and in some cases, died in the process. The event would be broadcast live as a webcast, streamed live to YouTube and Facebook, and, archived for later viewing.
The Veteran’s Breakfast Club is a remarkable organization that gathers veterans over a good meal and provides time to share their stories. Key to the great success of “VBC” is the talent and heart of it’s president, Todd DePastino. Todd is an historian by trade. And even though he’s never served in the Military, he intimately knows of their bravery and record in defending our freedoms. Todd is also expert in drawing our military out in describing their service experiences in short interview sessions.
Todd took the lead in organizing and funding much of the production of “Remember Together, Pittsburgh.” But he had a very significant partner which provided a memorable venue for the live events of the day, Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. There, John McCabe, Executive Director, provided free and open access to this one of a kind military museum and auditorium. John also filled duties as the master of ceremonies for the live events of the day and played a key role in its planning.
Still there were those who refused to forget our brave military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And, in conjunction with the current technology wielded by Cortron Media to blend a hybrid program of live streaming video and pre-recorded events, the decision was made to step out into new territory for the principals involved and work hard and fast (with only a three week lead time), to produce a memorable and worthy tribute. After what seemed like dozens of live “zoom” online planning meetings, a “virtual” Memorial Day tribute titled “Remembering Together, Pittsburgh” began taking shape!
There would be two parts to the production, a live sequence shot at Pittsburgh’s venerable Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum; and a series of pre-recorded, short videos provided by veteran service organizations, elected officials and individuals paying tribute to family members who served the country and in some cases, died in the process. The event would be broadcast live as a webcast, streamed live to YouTube and Facebook, and, archived for later viewing.
The Veteran’s Breakfast Club is a remarkable organization that gathers veterans over a good meal and provides time to share their stories. Key to the great success of “VBC” is the talent and heart of it’s president, Todd DePastino. Todd is an historian by trade. And even though he’s never served in the Military, he intimately knows of their bravery and record in defending our freedoms. Todd is also expert in drawing our military out in describing their service experiences in short interview sessions.
Todd took the lead in organizing and funding much of the production of “Remember Together, Pittsburgh.” But he had a very significant partner which provided a memorable venue for the live events of the day, Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. There, John McCabe, Executive Director, provided free and open access to this one of a kind military museum and auditorium. John also filled duties as the master of ceremonies for the live events of the day and played a key role in its planning.
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As a result, the traditional elements of patriotic music, a stirring singing of the national anthem by Mr. McCabe’s wife Caroline, reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance with hands on hearts, and an inspiring, short talk by Mr. McCabe “restored” our sense of doing things right for the vets.
Then Pittsburgh’s Gold Star Mothers and Spouses took over. These women, who have given more than any other living American citizens, graced the stage while placing beautiful, floral wreaths near the podium, and stepping back for a moment as a color guard from the Vietnam Veterans, Inc. rendered them proper salutes!
The ladies then led a procession out to the Hall’s imposing plaza to view and listen to an exciting rifle salute. That was followed by a moving rendition by a single bugler of taps. None of the Gold Star representatives emerged completely dry-eyed from that experience.
After dismissing the audience from the live portion of the celebration, Mr. McCabe invited all to follow the pre-recorded programming accessible from links on the Soldiers and Sailors web site, or that of the Veteran’s Breakfast Club. A feed also went out over YouTube and Facebook live.
Cortron Media provided a seasoned production crew with heavy, live event experience to capture on-stage ceremonies and a brief outdoor display and tribute. We are gratified to have been asked to start planning a similar production for 2020’s Veteran’s Day Celebration!
Then Pittsburgh’s Gold Star Mothers and Spouses took over. These women, who have given more than any other living American citizens, graced the stage while placing beautiful, floral wreaths near the podium, and stepping back for a moment as a color guard from the Vietnam Veterans, Inc. rendered them proper salutes!
The ladies then led a procession out to the Hall’s imposing plaza to view and listen to an exciting rifle salute. That was followed by a moving rendition by a single bugler of taps. None of the Gold Star representatives emerged completely dry-eyed from that experience.
After dismissing the audience from the live portion of the celebration, Mr. McCabe invited all to follow the pre-recorded programming accessible from links on the Soldiers and Sailors web site, or that of the Veteran’s Breakfast Club. A feed also went out over YouTube and Facebook live.
Cortron Media provided a seasoned production crew with heavy, live event experience to capture on-stage ceremonies and a brief outdoor display and tribute. We are gratified to have been asked to start planning a similar production for 2020’s Veteran’s Day Celebration!
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