The color yellow – a symbol of remembrance and survival – shows support for the millions still suffering from long-haul Covid and grieving for loved ones
As the country reopens and families gather for BBQs, thousands of Covid survivors, elected officials, and supporters will share photos of how they #AddYellow on social media
WASHINGTON – This Independence Day weekend, many gatherings will be missing a family member, friend, or neighbor lost to Covid, and millions of Americans will still be living with long-haul Covid. That’s why Covid survivors across the country are asking Americans to “Add Yellow” to their red, white, and blue Fourth of July celebrations and post photos on social media with the hashtag #AddYellow.
Yellow has historically symbolized support and remembrance for lost loved ones, and the yellow heart has become a symbol of Covid loss as well as hope and survival. Thousands of survivors who are part of the nationwide network Covid Survivors for Change, along with the Yellow Heart Memorial and other partner groups, will be adding yellow hearts, flags, flowers, and decorations to their parades and barbecues and sharing photos of how they #Add Yellow this Fourth of July. They’re encouraging all Americans to do the same to help remember the more than 600,000 killed and the millions of lives changed forever by the coronavirus pandemic, even as the country celebrates that this is a turning point in our recovery.
To participate in #AddYellow, Covid survivors encourage people to:
- Make yellow decorations like hearts, flags, sparklers, cups, and picnic blankets part of their holiday gathering with family and friends, or add yellow decorations to their home or yard
- Post a photo of the yellow items on social media using the hashtag #AddYellow to show solidarity with survivors or honor a loved one lost to Covid
- Learn more at covidsurvivorsforchange.org/add-yellow
“July 4th will be an incredibly difficult day for my family, as it marks the one year anniversary of my father’s passing.” said Elizabeth Dougherty-Feeney, a Pennsylvania-based member of Covid Survivors for Change, whose father Ray died from Covid. “I will #AddYellow for my father and I know that seeing our friends and neighbors blanket the community and social media in yellow this 4th of July will bring us great comfort knowing that so many are standing in solidarity with survivors like me”
“This Independence Day, we’re grateful that over 300 million Americans have been vaccinated and that many aspects of life may be beginning to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy – but sadly, not everyone has a normal to return to,” said Chris Kocher, executive director of Covid Survivors for Change. “Millions have lost loved ones to Covid or still suffer from long term health and economic effects of the virus. The simple act of adding yellow to your red, white, and blue this holiday will show Covid survivors that they’re not alone and not forgotten.”
“This year’s July 4th celebrations are bittersweet for survivors like me,” said Rosie Davis, co-founder of Yellow Heart Memorial and a Texas-based member of Covid Survivors for Change whose mother Mary died from Covid. “As thankful as I am to see our nation making progress in the fight to end the pandemic, Covid long haulers and survivors still need support and compassion as we deal with the effects of this deadly virus. When you #AddYellow this weekend, you’re helping our voices be heard.”
Participants are encouraged to get creative with #AddYellow by taking photos at iconic locations, at family gatherings, or in places with significant personal meaning. Sample tweets and Facebook posts and graphics for social media and more information on #AddYellow can be found at covidsurvivorsforchange/add-yellow.
About Covid Survivors for Change
Covid Survivors for Change is a national, non-partisan movement bringing together Americans who have lost a loved one to Covid-19, as well as those who have survived the virus and those whose lives have been dramatically altered by the pandemic. As part of Covid Survivors for Change, Americans are mobilizing to make sure that communities have the funding, resources and leadership in place to address future public health emergencies. Survivors will also find community and healing in meeting other people whose lives have been forever changed by the pandemic. For more information, please visit: covidsurvivorsforchange.org.
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