A memorial garden will open in Monterey County next month to honor those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the health care workers, first responders and others who cared for them.
The COVID-19 Memorial Garden, outside Monterey County offices at 168 W. Alisal St. in Salinas, will be unveiled on Feb. 3.
Three years in the making, the memorial will be a place to remember those who died, and to acknowledge the dedication of first responders, frontline workers, educators, health care and public health professionals, families, and communities, county officials said.
In Monterey County, 940 residents died due to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
“Each life lost to COVID-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, friends, and the surrounding community,” said Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo. “These were our grandparents, parents, relatives, and friends — loved ones we lost to this devastating pandemic.”
The ceremony will begin about 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 3 in the Board of Supervisors chambers and then move outside to the memorial for a special program, featuring speakers and the unveiling.
“Although the pandemic exposed challenges in communication and preparedness, it also revealed the resilience, compassion, and collaboration that defines our county and its residents,” the county said in a news release. “This spirit of unity continues today as the community honors lives lost and supports long-term recovery. The creation of this memorial is a lasting symbol of recovery and unity.”