Cook County Wreath Ceremony Honors Lives Lost From COVID-19

OAK FOREST, IL — A wreath dedication ceremony was held at the Cook County Building Wednesday in an effort to honor those who lost their lives due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event was held on the one-year anniversary of the County's initial COVOD-19 disaster proclamation.

In February 2021, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th), brought forth a resolution to honor the 8,316 lives lost due to the virus within Cook County, according to a news release. Those at the Wednesday event also include Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Dr. Rachel Rubin, Senior Medical Officer and Co-lead, Cook County Department of Public Health, Fr. Brendan Curran

“As a nation, state, and county we mourn the lives lost and recognize the lives that have been permanently altered by this devastating pandemic,” Miller said. “Moments like these remind us of our shared humanity and the fragility of life.”

According to the release, the wreath will be displayed in the lobby of the County building to memorialize the lives lost. The release states that it will be used a reminder that we "must remain vigilant and get vaccinated when it’s our turn, so that we can protect our friends, loved ones and neighbors as we work in unity to overcome this pandemic and limit the number of lives lost in the coming year."