Keetmanshoop remembers Covid victims
It was an emotional Sunday at the Keetmanshoop’s Zoo Park when loved ones of those who succumbed to the coronavirus gathered for the unveiling ceremony of the town’s Covid-19 memorial.
Mayor McDonald Hanse said the coronavirus came like a thief in the night and stole survivors’ loved ones who brought them so much joy in life.
“Happy, healthy and productive members of our society gone in the blink of an eye and what made matters even worse, was the fact that none of the comforting rituals that help them to cope with their losses were available to them,” said Hanse. He added, with no final rites, burials with stories and love and families gathering around to offer support, it was indeed a time of profound loss and trauma.
“This memorial is a tribute to lives well lived and lives worth remembering, a final gift to our departed loved ones to honour their memories, and to the surviving family members,’’ the mayor added. He also said it can in future serve as a peaceful focal point where they can visit and find healing.
He then called on those present to sit back and allow the tranquil surroundings to calm their spirits and mind and, furthermore, to attend the event with grateful hearts for the love they knew and the love they lost.
Hanse expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of the Keetmanshoop community towards Heiner Naumann for his donation that made the construction of the memorial possible.
Lynn Dausab, one of the survivors who lost both her mother and brother due to Covid-19, in her contribution, said so many of them wanted the opportunity to talk more with their loved ones.
“I believe many out there do not know how we, as survivors, would remain standing and maybe collapse but it was the grace and goodness of God that keep us standing to gather here today in remembrance of our beloved family members,” she concluded.
A memorial plate with the names of all Covid-19 victims on it was unveiled during the event.