"Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'erfraught heart & bids it break." (Shakespeare)
On Saturday, 6 months after the first Briton was reported to have died of #COVID, #CovidMemorialDay will be a moment to give our sorrow words. covid19memorialforest.fund/press-release-…
There will be a service in Newington Green Church, 5pm, (numbers limited) & a candle-lit vigil in Trafalgar Sq, 8pm
If you're not in London, we're hoping there'll be vigils held in cities, towns & villages across the country
Why not do one where you are?
(see @CovidMemoryDay)
#CovidMemorialDay is formed of:
@ForestOfMemory who are ALSO planting a forest;
@HelpThemHelpUs_ who are ALSO supporting NHS frontline staff; &
@HearOurElders, who are ALSO capturing the wisdom or our elders whilst they are with us
But we ALSO need you
Like Clap for Cares, #CovidMemorialDay is an idea, not an organisation or campaign.
When we came together to applaud our NHS & healthcare workers, our hearts swelled with shared gratitude.
On Saturday, we will come together to share our collective loss.
facebook.com/Covid-Memorial…
Spain held a 10-day remembrance period
Italy observed a minute of silence for its #COVID19 victims
China held a national day of mourning
The @nytimes & @OGloboPolitica, both devoted their entire front pages to obituaries of the dead when their county’s death toll hit 100,000.
Part of the problem in UK is that everything about the govt's #COVID19 strategy is somehow inextricably entwined with politics
As result, even grieving the dead has become almost a political act
#CovidMemorialDay, however, will be entirely non-political.
bylinetimes.com/2020/09/04/cov…
“I will celebrate her
But before I can celebrate her, I must remember her
And before I can remember her, I must mourn her
And if you see me - shivering and dumbed with loss - stand by me
Because grief needs a witness.” (Emerson Warner) #CovidMemorialDay @CovidMemoryDay
The #CovidMemorialDay service in London begins at 5pm and is being live-streamed HERE
There are still some places available for those who have been affected by COVID19 & would like to attend
At 8pm there will be vigils in Traf Sq & around the country
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