Video: Worcester Observes Coronavirus Pandemic Anniversary

WORCESTER, MA — On Wednesday evening, just hours before the first anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic, Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. read a line from the poem "Just Wait For The Sun."

"The storm always passes, it won't last forever ... please wait for the sun, the sunshine will come," he said.

The poem underscored a year that began with confusion and darkness, but is now opening up to hope with the arrival of a vaccine and with cases on the decline. Worcester lost 413 residents to COVID-19 over the past year, and at least 21,000 contracted the virus.

Worcester city officials and local clergy gathered Wednesday night at City Hall to remember everyone touched by the pandemic, from families in mourning to grocery store workers.

"Ahead of us we see hope and renewal," Augustus said. "We remain cautious yet hopeful that the very worst of COVID-19 is behind us. We mourn and grieve the loss of more than 400 Worcester souls whose families and loved ones now must navigate life without them."

The Rev. Richard Trainor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Worcester led a prayer, equating the lives lost in the pandemic to other local and international tragedies.

"As the city of Worcester, we do not forget. War dead, homeless, opioid substance abuse deaths, overdose deaths and this evening, we gather in the heart of the Commonwealth as we recall with heavy hearts those that have died during this past pandemic year from COVID-19," Trainor said. "We mourn we lament we pray they be at peace."

Here's the full Worcester remembrance ceremony: