Kansas City Remembers Those Lost to COVID-19

Kansas City, Missouri - The City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department invites you to join us Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 7:30-9:30 p.m. for the KC COVID-19 Memorial Tribute at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This event is in recognition of National Public Health Week, which is April 5-11. Candles will be placed along the Museum and Memorial’s Mall, representing each person lost to COVID-19 in Kansas City, Missouri. Visitors will be able to drive thru the Mall and hear a program broadcast through the radio on FM 100.5 as they pass by the lit candles. This program will include words of encouragement from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver II, and Bert Malone, with the Missouri Public Health Association and songs by the Kansas City Women’s Chorus. This is a time for all of us to remember those who lost their lives during this pandemic. This Tribute is a partnership between KC Parks, Missouri Public Health Association, and a citizen committee.

"My heart breaks for the more than 500 Kansas Citians we have lost to COVID-19 and the loved ones they leave behind," said Mayor Lucas. "This pandemic has devastated our community in many ways, but the mothers, fathers, siblings, partners, and friends who are no longer with us today due to this virus have left the deepest wound. I grieve with members of our community who have been impacted so directly by COVID-19, and I keep them in my prayers."

"This memorial will provide a dedicated space for our community to grieve and remember those we've lost in this difficult year," continued Mayor Lucas. "As we continue standing together to beat COVID-19, we can all honor those we've lost by preventing more COVID-19 tragedies in our community. With more Kansas Citians receiving the vaccine each day, we can finally see the beginning of the end to this tragic pandemic—but we still must do all we can to protect our friends, families, and neighbors, such as wearing masks, washing our hands, and staying home when we feel sick. I look forward to the day that all Kansas Citians are safe from COVID-19 and we can truly begin to heal."

To date, there have been 540 lives lost in Kansas City, Missouri due to COVID-19. Nationally, more than half a million lives have been lost from this pandemic. As a part of this tribute, the Downtown Marriott Hotel will be illuminating their building in the motif of a candle in honor of those who have lost their life due to COVID-19.

For more information, contact: 
Heidi Markle, KC Parks Marketing & Events, 816-335-5672