Sedona AZ (January 21, 2021) – Yesterday the city of Sedona, along with many other towns, cities, tribes, landmarks and communities across the country held a National Moment of Unity and Remembrance to honor the over 400,000 Americans who lost their lives to COVID-19 and to reflect on COVID-19’s impacts on the nation.
The mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, police chief and city manager gathered for the remembrance that included a lighting of the court building in amber.
The mayor and city councilors each took a turn expressing their sentiments:
“I agree with others who have said that if we want to heal and unify, we have to remember. The devastation of lives is unlike anything else we’ve experienced in our lifetime. However with the vaccine starting to be distributed, there’s a small light at the end of long tunnel. There’s hope for all of us and yet may we never forget,” said Mayor Sandy Moriarty.
“Having lived through 9/11 and the many losses then, people thought it could never be worse than that. And yet here we have something that’s been going on for months and months and has totally eclipsed the loss of life from 9/11. I can’t imagine the grief that these families are feeling right now,” said Vice Mayor Scott Jablow.
“I’d like to acknowledge those who went to work through all of this to provide us groceries, take out and all the other things that a lot of us took for granted before the pandemic occurred. We all need to stay strong and keep working the problem to get through this,” said City Councilor Bill Chisholm.
“It’s so important that we express our support for the families of those who have suffered from COVID-19. It needs to be recognized that we are on the verge of change, truly getting our arms around this and finding a way to proceed forward in unity and health in the coming years,” said City Councilor Kathy Kinsella.
“I ask God to give us strength to get through this, give us peace and help those people who lost loved ones to persevere and come out stronger. I know the people of Sedona will be able to do so,” said City Councilor Tom Lamkin.
“I’d like to pray for the 400,000 Americans who have lost their lives to this dreadful disease. And I’d like to thank our first responders and front-line healthcare workers for putting their lives on the line to support their fellow Americans. I pray for their safety and for all of us as we go forward,” said City Councilor Holli Ploog.
“When this started I didn’t know anybody who had COVID-19 or died from it, and now the enormity of the toll it has taken has been made clear. It’s a terrible tragedy. The death from this is a massive loss to families across the country,” said City Councilor Jessica Williamson.