The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy - Janet Finch-Saunders MS - is encouraging family, friends or carers of those who have died as a result of COVID-19 to honour them via a new online memorial.
Today (22 May) saw the launch of ‘Remember Me’, an online book of remembrance for all those who have been living in the UK who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. People of all faiths and beliefs are invited to contribute to Remember Me by submitting, free of charge, the name, photograph and a short message in honour of the deceased person via the Remember Me website.
Remember Me was launched at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, where choristers recorded a special piece of music to serve as an anthem for the book of remembrance. It is intended that the Remember Me site will become a physical memorial at the Cathedral, with designs approved for a new inner porch in the North transept, which, subject to funding, will serve as a fitting memorial for all who have died as a result of the pandemic.
Speaking of the initiative, Janet said:
"I warmly welcome the Remember Me, digital book of remembrance initiative. My thoughts throughout this period have been with those who have tragically lost a loved one to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
"At this time of great challenge, it is paramount that we remember the human stories behind the statistics. Remember Me offers a chance to share and reflect on their stories. I encourage anyone who has lost someone to this virus to pay tribute to them on the Remember Me site.
The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend David Ison, said:
"For centuries, St Paul's Cathedral has been a place to remember the personal and national impact of great tragedies, from the losses of war to the devastation of the Grenfell Tower fire. We have heard so many sad stories of those affected by the pandemic, and all our thoughts and prayers are with them. Every person is valued and worthy of remembrance.
ENDS
Notes:
- Members of the public can register details of their family member or friend on ‘Remember Me: A book of remembrance for the UK’ via: www.rememberme2020.uk