March 24, 2020 marked the day the first Iowan died of COVID-19. Since then, more than 5,500 more have lost their lives.
In memory of those lost, a coalition of elected state officials and other organization leaders read selections of their names in front of the state Capitol. The memorial was live streamed.
State Sen. Janet Petersen, who represents the northwest side of Des Moines, volunteered. She held a list of the names she would read—one of which was a family friend.
“Losing a relative or a loved one to COVID-19 has been an especially hard time for people. They haven’t had the ability to have their support networks close by to grieve," Petersen said. She explained many people have not been able to plan proper funerals or hospital visits in light of social distancing guidelines.
The volunteers were only able to read about 700 names, but any Iowans who have lost family members or loved ones are encouraged to submit their names to the ongoing virtual memorial website.
"Today, we remember those who needlessly fell to this unnecessary crisis. We must remember how we got here. Why? And pledge to never, never have this happen again," said Mike McCarthy, the president of the Iowa Alliance of Retired Americans.
The 78-year-old said he and other people his age have lived the past year with a target on their backs. Eight out of every ten COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have been among adults 65 and older.
McCarthy, along with some of the other speakers, emphasized how important it is that people continue to wear masks and take other public health precautions to keep their loved ones safe. That includes getting vaccinated.
