Stratford-on-Avon District Council is supporting a national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.
Spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, and set to take place on Tuesday 23 March - the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown - Stratford-on-Avon District Council is committed to supporting the National Day of Reflection.
Marie Curie estimates that over three million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began,2 yet many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve.
The National Day of Reflection will give the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving.
Cllr Tony Dixon, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Covid has impacted every individual, every household and every business across the UK. It has been a long and arduous effort to get through what has been a dreadful and tragic time.
"The National Day of Reflection is a chance for everyone in Stratford-on-Avon District to remember those who have lost their lives to COVID, and to simply look back at what we've been through.
"Each day the national vaccine rollout brings more hope with a gradual return to normality. However we must never forget those who have lost their lives."
Marie Curie warns that without the right support for people who have been bereaved, the devastation that the pandemic has caused will impact the lives of people for generations.
Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed said: "We need to mark the huge amount of loss we've seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances. We cannot simply stand by and not recognise the effects the pandemic has had on the bereaved. We know people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened.
"The National Day of Reflection on 23 March gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died, as well as show our support to family, friends and colleagues who are bereaved during these challenging times - from Covid and other causes."
The District Council is calling on Councillors, staff and the local community, to take a minute to reflect at 12noon on the National Day of Reflection on 23 March for those who have died during the pandemic and take a moment.
The Chairman will also be joining the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon in the Garden of Remembrance in Stratford-upon-Avon for the minute silence at noon.
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection
About the National Day of Reflection - A day to reflect, grieve and remember - 23 March 2021
The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021 marks the first anniversary of the date that the first lockdown started. Over 3 million people have been bereaved since the first lockdown began. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for their loved ones. Many of those bereaved have not been able to hold loved one's hands as they were dying, properly say goodbye, comfort or even hug each other. They have been unable to mourn as they would in 'normal' times and will be more likely to struggle with the long-term effects of grief.
The National Day of Reflection will give the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving. The day is being led by Marie Curie and has been developed in partnership with other organisations who will get involved as part of a movement to support each other.
For more information please go to: www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection #DayOfReflection
