Despite New York City being the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial to the victims and caregivers, five years and 46,000 deaths later, is still far from being realized.
A City Council bill to study the construction of a memorial on Hart Island, where thousands were buried during the peak of the pandemic, has been stalled for a year since its introduction. Moreover, state legislation to fund memorials across the Empire State remains inactive in Senate and Assembly committees.
According to Jessica Alejandro, who lost her grandfather to COVID-19 in March 2021, the lack of progress on the memorial is disappointing. She emphasized the need for New York City to follow the lead of other cities and states in honoring those affected by the pandemic.
As efforts to create a memorial continue to face obstacles, some individuals have taken matters into their own hands. For instance, a “Yellow Heart Memorial” was organized by the Alejandro sisters in 2022 at Queens College to remember members of the college community who had passed away due to the virus.
While various tributes have been made in New York City, including a sculpture in Lower Manhattan and a memorial projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge, the absence of a comprehensive memorial site has left many feeling unsatisfied.
Despite these challenges, advocates like Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine are determined to see a memorial come to fruition. While the focus has been on Hart Island, other potential sites are also being considered.
Architect John Beckmann, who proposed a light installation memorial on Hart Island, expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress but remains hopeful for the future.
However, the choice of Hart Island as a memorial site has been met with criticism, with some suggesting that a public park would be more appropriate. Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola believes that sacred gravesites should not be turned into tourist attractions.
Despite setbacks, advocates like the Alejandro sisters and state Senator Jessica Ramos continue to push for a permanent memorial in New York City to honor the victims and heroes of the pandemic.
Creating a Collective Grieving Process for COVID-19 Victims
While cities worldwide have taken steps to memorialize the 7.1 million individuals lost to the pandemic, the primary objective remains to facilitate a shared grieving experience that has been lacking.
London, for instance, has unveiled the touching “National COVID Memorial Wall,” adorned with 150,000 pink and red hearts dedicated to those who succumbed to the virus. This heartfelt gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
Similar initiatives have sprung up in Belgium, Brazil, and various other locations, each offering their own unique tribute to the departed. Meanwhile, plans are in place for a striking 25-foot stainless steel “global” monument in Chicago, set to be unveiled later this year.
