COVID March to Remember: In Brooklyn and Across the U.S. on August 6th
We are thankful that millions of Americans have been vaccinated and that infections have decreased. Yet while many people wish to believe that “COVID is over,” the repercussions of COVID-19 are still being felt across our country, in our communities and within families, including the nearly 250,000 children who have been orphaned by COVID and the millions of Americans who are living with the health Long Covid.
That’s why on August 6th, we came together for the 2nd Annual COVID March to Remember. Together, we took 2.5 million collective steps to remember those who died from COVID, honor all Long Haulers, and raise awareness about the ongoing needs of the COVID survivor community.
About the March
The first annual March to Remember was inspired by Hannah Ernst and her grandfather Cal. They had planned to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge together in 2020. But they were never able to take that walk, as Cal sadly died from COVID-19 in May 2020.
Hannah’s story reflects so many of our own personal stories of plans that were disrupted and loved ones who were lost as a result of the pandemic. But we are not powerless. We invited supporters to join us as we march to honor all victims and survivors of COVID, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and in cities and communities across the country on August 6th.
Survivors and supporters were encouraged to wear yellow, the color of remembrance, and to bring signs or photos of loved ones who died from Covid or who are long haulers.
Swipe below to see what actions you can take.
Why We Marched
We marched to raise awareness of the continuing needs of the COVID survivor community:
- Support to Children Who Had a Loved One Die from COVID or who have Long Covid. Nearly 250,000 children have been orphaned by COVID. We must provide mental health resources and financial support for their families, baby bonds and scholarships to assist surviving children with higher education in the future, and resources to support them right now in school.
- Support Long Haulers: Approximately 1 in 4 of those who have COVID will develop Long Covid. We must provide full funding for COVID response programs so that access to vaccines and treatments are readily available, and invest in support and research to help Long Haulers recover.
- Memorialize Those Who Died and Ensure This Never Happens Again. We must memorialize those who died from COVID just as we have for wars, terrorist attacks, and other major tragedies and a non-partisan commission must be formed to learn critical lessons from this pandemic to make sure this never happens again.
Survivor Resources
Find healing in support groups with other Covid-19 survivors. Read up on public resources available to you.
Survivor Stories
Together, we share our stories in hopes that others can learn from them, and that our fellow survivors can find healing in knowing that they are not alone.
Take Action
Help stop this pandemic and prevent more people from experiencing the loss we know intimately.