The Covid memorial on the National Mall last year was crucial in allowing people to reflect and begin to heal from the devastating loss of life caused by the pandemic. Today, on May 12, 2022, we mark a heartbreaking milestone in the U.S. with 1 million Covid deaths. Well over two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, it may seem like daily life is regaining some semblance of normalcy, but we will forever remember those who have passed as a result of the pandemic.
Despite the progress we have made as a country since the worst of the pandemic gripped our nation, it is important that we do not forget those who lost their lives during that immensely difficult time and who continue to fall victim to this terrible virus.
White Flag COVID Memorial Honoring Lives Lost
Last year, from September 17th – October 3rd on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., artist Suzanne Firstenberg orchestrated the “In America: Remember” memorial art installation in which over 670,000 white flags were put into the ground to honor the lives lost to Covid-19 during the time, though it inevitably continued to rise. The flags were manufactured by us here at Blackburn Flag. Though having to produce such a large amount of flags was heartbreaking, it was a privilege to help honor those who lost their lives during the pandemic in communities across the nation.
More Than Marking Flags
At Blackburn Flag, we were ready to provide our services to help Firstenberg create the memorial because we knew the importance of helping our national community come to terms with the astounding, sudden loss of life so that we could all embark upon the difficult path of healing. The art installation encouraged individuals to make sense of the devastation of the pandemic by allowing them to visualize the magnitude of lives lost. It also provided an opportunity for those who lost loved ones to feel a sense of community in such a confusing and isolating time in our nation’s history, to feel less alone in their grief.
At Blackburn Flag, we hope that our communities in America and abroad continue to stay strong on this road to full recovery, normalcy and peace of mind.