Queens Mourns COVID Victims with Outdoor Memorial

Queens residents came together virtually and in-person on Saturday to remember the 9,000 neighbors who died from COVID-19 in the past year, and give families the opportunity to grieve collectively, when many were unable to say goodbye in the peak of the pandemic.

Community members spoke to other families and 400 empty benches in the Forest Park bandshell filled with the portraits and names of Queens’ deceased as part of Queens COVID Remembrance Day.

Hundreds more were memorialized with yellow hearts around the bandshell.

“May 1, 2020 was a far different day for myself and my family,” said QCRD co-organizer Brian Walter, whose father John died last May. “Our covid story is like many of yours —Zoom calls, a rollercoaster ride of updates from doctors and the constant unknown of what was coming next, and in the end the heartbreaking loss of a life that should never have been taken,” he added. “Today these empty benches which stretch before us... are a stark representation of those who should be here today. As long as we carry them in our hearts, say their names and share their images, they will live through us.

Walter said the QCRD’s goal was to reach as many as possible, but that the loved ones of those who did not hear about the memorial in time are not forgotten.

Family members shared emotional stories about the colorful and diverse lives of the people they lost, shining a light on the contributions of a small portion of the Queens population felled by COVID-19.

Organizer Jennifer Romero, who lost both parents, said that saying goodbye over the phone “was the most painful thing I have ever endured.”

“This virus has destroyed so many families,” she added. “My parents lives mattered, all of our loved ones matter — they were not just a number, they were our everything.”

Asseblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Borough President Donovan Richards and State Sen. Joseph Addabbo co-hosted the event, which included an essential workers tribute to pay homage to the heroism of the professionals who kept Queens afloat and a sunset vigil.

“This year we grieved alone but today we will heal together,” Rajkumar said. “Grief is a box we carry and it is too heavy to bear alone. I ask you to be gentle on yourself; in a dark moment remember all the sunny days your loved one would have wanted for you.”