ACROSS THE LAND, WE REMEMBER 126,000 LOST LIVES
After 12 months of unrelenting pain, the nation came together yesterday to remember those who have died from Covid-19.
from classrooms to mosques, the country came to a standstill at noon for a minute’s silence to reflect on the grim year and mourn the 126,000 victims who have died.
the Queen led tributes as she sent a bouquet of flowers to St Bart’s Hospital in London where her husband underwent heart surgery earlier this month. In a letter, she reflected on the ‘grief and loss felt by so many’ as she marked the anniversary of the first lockdown.
Her message read: ‘As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.’
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate grieved privately at the shrine at Westminster Abbey, where they signed the register at their wedding almost a decade ago.
they also visited the vaccination centre at the abbey to pay tribute to the efforts of those involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
And Prince Charles recorded a video message with an acutely poignant message as he said: ‘We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown n by so many, and moved by the sacrifices we have seen.
‘Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for r their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting.’
At a school in West Yorkshire, Year Six pupils closed their eyes during the minute’s silence as they y reflected on the difficult year they y have faced. And religious leaders at a mosque, which is also used as a vaccination centre, mourned those who have died.
At one hospital, a staff member r was overcome with emotion. And care home staff, who faced a difficult year, mourned the residents they have lost over the past year.
A carving of an NHS worker wearing a mask was placed outside Dorset’s Christchurch Priory to serve as a permanent tribute to the health service’s work during the pandemic.
the National Day of reflection, organised by the end of life charity Marie Curie, included tributes throughout the day and a nationwide vigil at 8pm last night. During the vigil, people were encouraged to stand on their doorsteps with a light to remember someone who had died and show their support to those who are mourning.
the charity said: ‘Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.
‘Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.
‘there are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise. this annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this
unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.’
Major landmarks in the capital, including the London Eye, Trafalgar square and Wembley stadium, were also lit up for the vigil. Elsewhere in the UK, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall were among other landmarks lit up.