In May, County Executive George Latimer unveiled a newmemorial—Ribbons of Remembrance—dedicated to Westchester County residents who have
been lost to COVID-19.
On Dec. 3, Latimer hosted a ceremony to honor those that have been lost and to move the memorial indoors to the Main Floor of the county Office Building
located on 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains for the winter.
“Westchester County residents are a resilient people, but we are still reeling from the toll COVID-19 has taken on our neighbors,” Latimer said. “This memorial serves as a reminder of all we have lost as we all must continue to move forward through this pandemic.”
The memorial, overlooking the Hudson River at Lenoir Nature Preserve in Yonkers, consists of trees and a rope structure where visitors took ribbons to write the name of someone they have lost. The ribbons were then tied to the rope structure for all to see and reflect upon. While the memorial will no longer be housed outdoors, members of the public are still free to add names in its new location.
“We are here today to honor all of the individuals we lost in Westchester—keeping in mind all of those who have not have the chance for proper reflection and
mourning,” said Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins. “This is a tribute to all that we have lost.” Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin said: “For anyone
who hung a ribbon here, or others that are grieving, there is a whole that will remain forever. We must remember and we must commit ourselves to always remember.”
Senior Pastor at the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church Reverend Troy Decohen said, “We pray in the memory of those that have transitioned to another life, and transitioned alone, without the comfort and touch of their loved ones. We pray for their peace and we pray for their families that grieve.”
Imam Qari Amjad Karmi of the Westchester Muslim Center said, “We seek to honor these members of our community whom we have lost – and to remember
their lives. They are beloved family members, friends and fellow Americans.”
Rabbi Evan Hoffman of Anshe Shalom of New Rochelle said, “When my community was first hit with Covid-19 earlier this year, I quarantined for 14 days
with my family and children. When I came out, I held my first Covid funeral. Instead of there being 100 people there, it was just me and the funeral workers. We pray for a return to normalcy –for the day to come where we can go out without trepidation. But until that day comes, let us take the necessary precautions and remember those that we have lost.”
Kathy O’Connor, commissioner of Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, said, “When this idea was developed, we were honored when it was decided to host the memorial at Lenoir. I thank our conservation division for their efforts in preparing this space.” The ceremony consisted of interfaith prayers, remarks from Latimer and other dignitaries and a solemn solo rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the Pipes & Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester. (Submitted)
