Coloradans asked to join Day of Remembrance

The public is urged to honor the more than 1,000 Coloradans who have died of COVID-19 by participating Friday in a Day of Remembrance.

Gov. Jared Polis and local governments across the state are asking people to wear a face-covering mask at 7 p.m. Friday and to reflect in a minute of silence to memorialize those we have lost to the coronavirus.

“This global pandemic has cost 300,000 lives across the world and over 1,000 in Colorado alone. Too many Coloradans have lost family members and friends to this deadly virus, and we honor and celebrate their lives especially because many victims couldn’t have proper in-person funerals, remembrances, and wakes,” Polis said in a news release.

“This is a challenging moment for many of our friends and neighbors and to those Coloradans who are struggling: you are not alone and we are all in this together. We still have work to do to stop the spread of this virus and can defeat this virus by staying home as much as possible, wearing facial masks when in public, and washing our hands regularly. Together we can avoid burying and remembering more Coloradans far too early.”

As part of the reflective effort, the state Capitol, along with cities, counties and other organizations, will turn building exterior lights red at 7 p.m. Friday to honor those who have died. Businesses and the public are also encouraged to turn lights red at thetopofthehourforthe minute of silence.

About 100 counties, cities and towns across Colorado have agreed to participate in the remembrance. Buildings that will be bathed in red include Coors Field, Pepsi Center and Empower Field at Mile High.

Friday is also Peace Officers Memorial Day, which the state will commemorate by lowering flags to half staff, the release said. Coloradans are encouraged to commemorate the day as well in tribute to those officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.