Creating A Covid-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, last week, we mourned half a million American lives lost to the coronavirus. Their absence in our communities is difficult to comprehend.

Sadly, many are facing the reality that it has now been more than a year without their loved ones. Tragically, many of them died alone, without loved ones to say good-bye.

To honor and memorialize those lost and those impacted by the virus, I introduced a resolution designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day. Commemorating this memorial day is an important marker for all those affected across the country and to help our country heal from this trauma.

In my home State, this day of recognition has been pushed by two advocates who lost their fathers to COVID-19. Kristin Urquiza and Tara Krebbs turned their grief into action and have mobilized more than 100 cities and multiple States to recognize today as a memorial day.

Long after our Nation moves beyond this ordeal, we will need to collectively recognize all that we have lost and the trauma of what we have experienced.

Together, we can overcome.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source