Assembly Resolution No. 138

BY: M. of A. Giglio JA

RECOGNIZING Monday, March 1, 2021, as COVID-19
Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in the Town of
Riverhead, a day to pause and remember the residents
of Riverhead lost to the disease and to celebrate
the lives of those who survived

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
certain official days of significance which bring the people of the
State of New York together to honor the memory and remember the lives of
their loved ones; COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in the
Town of Riverhead is one such day; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize Monday, March 1, 2021, as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors
Memorial Day in the Town of Riverhead; and

WHEREAS, Since March of 2020, there have been 162,243 total cases
reported and 3,076 fatalities in Suffolk County; and

WHEREAS, Monday, March 1, 2021, marked the one-year Anniversary
since health officials confirmed the first COVID-19 case in the State of
New York; just eight days later, Suffolk County would report its first
case of the virus; and

WHEREAS, On this day, local leaders gathered to commemorate COVID-19
Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in the Town of Riverhead; various
religious leaders joined elected officials and offered prayers for those
who have passed away from COVID-19, those who have survived, and a
prayer for the future and the end of the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, The ceremony also featured a performance of "God Bless
America" by Catherine Renshaw, who won the Riverhead Idol competition in
2020; and

WHEREAS, To pay tribute to the victims, town officials dedicated a
newly planted copper beech tree, donated by Case's Creek Nursery and
John Spila of Whitman Nurseries Inc., and a granite marker, donated by
Rothwell Monuments; the tree and the stone marker are located outside of
Town Hall; the stone reads: "We shall forever cherish the memories of
those we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. We pray for strength and
healing to the survivors and peace to all whom have suffered."; and

WHEREAS, In addition, county officials assembled to unveil the
Memorial, which is composed of ribbons affixed to a wooden structure
that bears the name of a COVID-19 victim; and

WHEREAS, The Memorial will provide a quiet, reflective spot for
residents to grieve and remember; it also represents hope, resilience
and recovery as family members and friends recognize and pay tribute to
all those who survived this life-threatening and devastating pandemic
and continue to experience the lingering effects of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The Memorial will be on display at the Suffolk County
Legislature's William H. Rogers Building in Smithtown throughout March
and a temporary structure will also be placed in the lobby of the Evans
K. Griffing Building in Riverside; and

WHEREAS, Our society is deeply saddened at the loss of neighbors,
family members, and friends but grateful for the opportunity to come
together as a community and reflect upon the lives lost to this horrific
pandemic; this Legislative Body encourages all New Yorkers across the
State to pause and honor the memory of the lives of those victims and
survivors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Monday, March 1, 2021, as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors
Memorial Day in the Town of Riverhead, a day to pause and remember the
residents of Riverhead lost to the disease and to celebrate the lives of
those who survived; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in the Town
of Riverhead Committee.