WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (February 23, 2021) – At a City Commission meeting on Monday, February 22, 2021, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James proclaimed Monday, March 1, 2021 as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day. This day remembers those who lost their lives from COVID-19 and honors those who continue to suffer the impact of the virus.
COVID-19 created a global pandemic that is causing catastrophic effects on human life, our community, and our economy. While mitigating the spread of COVID-19, public health orders to social distance and stay at home have created challenges for small businesses, workers, and schools.
School districts, teachers, students, and parents are grappling with the challenges of distance-learning and working to prevent any potential learning loss.
Local and state governments, health departments, and public servants have taken bold actions to protect residents, support struggling local economies, and find innovative ways to provide services. Many essential workers sacrificed their own health and safety and stepped up to provide critical services to help protect our communities and save lives.
Meantime, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, which has exacerbated inequities already prevalent in our systems that we must address as a community and nation.
As of this week, more than 500,000 Americans, including more than 2,300 individuals in Palm Beach County, have died from the virus.
“Each life lost to COVID-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, and the surrounding community,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “I am proud to declare March 1, 2021 as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in West Palm Beach to remember those who died and to honor those who continue to suffer the impact of the virus.”
Meantime, to honor the victims of COVID-19, President Joe Biden has directed that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on public buildings and grounds until sunset February 26, 2021. The flag at City Hall will be flown at half-staff.
