It’s been more than a year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the United States. Since then, at least 500,000 Americans have died. Of that half-million, more than 6,000 Wisconsinites have died. More than 1,000 people have died in Milwaukee County. More than 600 have died in the City of Milwaukee.
Following the lead of advocacy group Marked By COVID, 152 mayors in 36 states are recognizing today, March 1, as COVID Victims and Survivors Memorial Day. Milwaukee Mayor Tom is one of those mayors. Here’s his proclamation regarding the recognition:
WHEREAS: The City of Milwaukee joins family, friends and community members in celebrating the lives and legacies of COVID-19 victims and survivors on Monday, March 1, 2021; and,
WHEREAS, COVID Victims and Survivors Memorial Day honors COVID-19 victims and survivors on the first Monday in March; and,
WHEREAS, COVID Victims and Survivors Memorial Day recognizes the catastrophic effects COVID-19 has had on countless lives globally and the disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, emphasizing long standing health disparities; and,
WHEREAS, COVID Victims and Survivors Memorial Day expresses profound gratitude for those essential workers that have stepped up to provide critical services to help protect our communities and save lives, sacrificing their own health and safety; and,
WHEREAS, COVID Victim and Survivors Memorial Day encourages citizens to continue to adhere to public health guidelines by wearing a mask, socially distancing and staying home whenever possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Milwaukee commends healthcare and essential workers for their selfless hard work throughout this pandemic, honors each life lost to COVID-19 and gives their deepest condolences to their loved ones;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOM BARRETT, Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, do hereby proclaim Monday, March 1, 2021, to be
COVID VICTIM AND SURVIVORS MEMORIAL DAY throughout the City of Milwaukee.