Culture Secretary has confirmed that next year a
COVID-19 Day of Reflection will take place on 9 March to remember
the pandemic and its impact on communities across the UK.
The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is one of the ten recommendations
set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, people across the
UK are invited to come together to remember and reflect on this
unique period of our history as well as their own experiences.
The day will be an opportunity for the public to remember and
commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic,
reflect on the sacrifices made and the impact on our daily lives,
and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff,
frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered and
showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.
Culture Secretary said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on all of us. This
Day of Reflection is an opportunity to remember the friends and
loved ones that we lost, as well as the sacrifices that so many
people made.
“There are lots of ways to take part in the Day of Reflection,
whether it's organising or attending a community event, or
remembering in your own way at home. It's important that people
take part in the way that is right for them.”
Chair of the Covid Commemoration Commission of Cotes said:
"As each year passes since the height of the pandemic it can feel
as if Covid is more and more of a distant memory. And yet I know
from the conversations the UK Covid Commemoration Commissioners
had, that those who lost loved ones appreciate a day when many
others will also remember those who lost their lives with
them. Today's announcement of the 2025 Day of Reflection is
therefore very welcome."
The announcement of next year's date follows this year's
commemoration in March that saw people come together to pay
tribute to those affected and those who sadly lost their lives.
The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, headed by of Cotes, worked with
bereaved families to find appropriate ways to remember those who
lost their lives during the pandemic. It presented its
recommendations in September 2023, including that an annual
UK-wide Day of Reflection should be established.
The Government's wider response to the Commission's report will
be published in due course.
Members of the public can find more information about the day,
resources to help them mark the Day of Reflection https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/
