WHITE PLAINS – Elected officials and members of Westchester’s faith-based community remembered the passing of COVID 19 victims in the county, Wednesday, on the one-year anniversary of the county’s first COVID fatality.
A remembrance ceremony was held in the Michaelin Office Building to honor the memories of the 2,000-plus county residents who had succumbed to the deadly virus.
County Executive George Latimer said so much time has been spent on logistics and data during the pandemic, the memorial was a time to remember the human impact of the struggles created by the virus and how to move forward.
“We’re here today to try to understand not about a government, but about humanity and why we do these things: because we want to save another life and that we all try our best to save another life and that we remember the lives that we have lost; and, that we never forget them,” said Latimer.
Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin said that the pandemic has not only tested economies, educational institutions, medical providers and governments, but it has most significantly tested the resolve of individuals by forcing isolation in a time where community is desperately needed.
“Public health requires that we maintain social distance from each other and wear a mask, but this is the exact time when we have sorrow and grief and need comfort that we need to be close to each other; but, we can’t do that right now,” said Boykin.
Wednesday evening, a county-wide salute was held in the same place to honor the county’s healthcare workers who had, and continue, to endure the effects of the pandemic, working diligently to care for the residents of the county.
