Assembly Resolution No. 208

BY: M. of A. Rajkumar

COMMEMORATING the Queens Covid Remembrance Day to
be held May 1, 2021, a day to pause and remember the
residents of Queens lost to the disease and to
celebrate their lives

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
certain events 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; the Queens Covid Remembrance Day is one such event; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Queens Covid Remembrance Day, a day of solemn reflection
for those lost to Covid-19, to be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the
Forest Park Bandshell; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Covid Remembrance Day will represent both family
members and victims of Covid-19 from Queens, New York, who have been
tragically impacted by this life-threatening and devastating pandemic;
and

WHEREAS, On this day, the many family members grieving the loss of
their loved ones vow they will not be forgotten; as a physical
representation of loss, there will be 400 empty park benches, each one
adorned with an artist's rendition of an actual Queens resident who died
of Covid-19; these images will be custom made by the "Faces of Covid
Victims" project; and

WHEREAS, To remember and honor Covid-19 victims from around the
world, yellow hearts bearing the names of lost loved ones will surround
the bandshell; these will be generously supplied by The Yellow Heart
Memorial; and

WHEREAS, The Floral Hearts Project will be creating an original art
piece, featuring fresh flowers donated by 1-800-Flowers and designed by
Kristina Libby; this will be a one-of-a-kind creation to honor all those
lost to Covid-19 and those left behind to mourn their absence; and

WHEREAS, A tribute to the essential and frontline workers will be
held to honor all those who spent tireless hours caring for and
providing services to the Queens community; and

WHEREAS, In addition, there will be a reflecting area and art
display, as well as a ceremony which will include an interfaith prayer,
and words of remembrance from Queens residents who lost loved ones to
Covid-19; 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; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Queens Covid Remembrance Day to be held May 1, 2021, a
day to pause and remember the residents of Queens lost to the disease
and to celebrate their lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Queens Covid Remembrance Day Committee.