Roses memorial for COVID-19 victims begs a larger question

Daily Pilot March 5, 2021

Re: “Art recognizing Orange County COVID-19 deaths unveiled as U.S. memorial efforts take root,” March 2.

Artist Marcos Lutyens is onto something big. His installation of velvet red roses dramatically pays tribute to the the nearly 4,000 men, women and children who have died from COVID here in Orange County. Lutyens’s art work makes me wonder: Will there ever be a national memorial honoring those who contracted the coronavirus or died?

In past years, we have honored those who lost their lives in war. Today, there are World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and other memorials in our nation’s capitol, as well as the endless cascade of water at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

Now that the deadly coronavirus is responsible for killing more than 500,000 Americans, it’s time to start planning a memorial to remember those who have died during the war on COVID. This will be especially important for closure since so many have passed away without loved ones by their side.

Coast to coast, thankful neighbors applaud doctors and nurses every day, buglers play “Taps” at sunset and entertainers host virtual fundraisers to help feed hungry families. Clearly, these and other activities shine a bright light on America’s goodness and generosity.

With this spirit in mind, I am now proposing building a memorial to honor those felled by the coronavirus. I realize the number of people who already have died could double before the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines put an end to this silent killer; but, no matter how many end up passing away, we must never forget those who have been lost.

If families and friends can honor fallen troops in Washington, then the rest of us should be able to mourn the loss of so many due to the horrific pandemic. I hope artist Marcos Lutyens would agree.

-DF