Hundreds would typically fill the Calverton National Cemetery today to say thanks to our veterans, but because of the government shutdown, the annual ceremony won't go on as planned. Instead, Riverhead PBA is inviting the public to come to the cemetery and bring American flags to honor our veterans. The cemetery cites the lapse in federal funding for having to cancel this year's ceremony. The cemetery was not able to prepare the grounds and secure the assets to hold a proper ceremony. Calverton National Cemetery said, in part, in a Facebook post: “The cemetery remains open to visitors during daylight hours and we will continue to express our heartfelt gratitude to our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice every day in every way we can.” Today’s tribute will be held outside the cemetery, in front of the main entrance from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is being asked to park on the north side, off Middle Country Road, so police and fire departments can set up their apparatus on the south side.