El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs will join communities across Colorado to officially recognize the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Colorado by observing a moment of reflection Friday, March 5, at 6 p.m.
During the past year, Colorado has tragically lost nearly 6,000 people, including 740 in El Paso County, to this deadly virus. In an effort to honor those who we have lost over the last 12 months, residents in Colorado Springs and across El Paso County are invited to participate in this statewide Day of Remembrance event with a moment of reflection at 6 p.m., Friday, March 5.
In recognition of this somber day, public buildings in downtown Colorado Springs display the color magenta, representing universal love, compassion and kindness, to commemorate the lives lost to this pandemic.
- El Paso County Centennial Hall
- Colorado Springs City Hall
- Colorado Springs Administration Building
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Additionally, all Colorado Springs fire stations will light up their fire apparatus in front of their stations at 6 p.m. for one minute to mark the moment of reflection. Residents and businesses are invited to turn on their lights for one minute at 6 p.m. Friday to recognize this moment of reflection.
“As we mark one year since Colorado’s first identified case of COVID-19 we pause to reflect on an incredibly challenging and tragic year. We mourn those we have lost, to include nearly 6,000 Coloradoans, and we recognize the suffering of families and friends across our community and state. But times of tragedy nearly always offer the opportunity for heroism and we certainly have witnessed that in El Paso County,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers. “Our medical professionals, teachers, front line workers and first responders especially have stepped up during trying times. I am confident that despite the difficulty of the past 12 months our city will emerge resilient, and as we look to the welcome end of this crisis, I take great pride in the heroism, resilience and commitment of the people of Colorado Springs.”
“As I reflect upon the past year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound hardship and suffering the pandemic has caused, and express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones to COVID-19. This past year has brought enormous stress and challenges in many different forms for our community, families and individuals. I continue to be filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and the collaborative, solution-driven actions, deftly navigating each step together through this pandemic. Side by side, we have demonstrated the strength and fortitude of a community that will emerge on the other side of this pandemic stronger and more resilient,” said El Paso County Public Health Director Susan Wheelan. “When I think about the future, I feel hopeful and confident with the tremendous progress being accomplished by working together as a community, and envisioning the end in sight, returning to more peaceful times.”
“On this day, we reflect on the people and businesses harmed by this pandemic. Let us take a moment to pray for those we have lost and those still suffering. Let's thank those who have sacrificed so much; our citizens, our public health care professionals, our businesses, and our communities. We have demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance through this adversity,” said El Paso County Board Chair Stan VanderWerf. “While there have been many dark days, our resiliency has and will continue to carry us through! The vaccine and our continued efforts hold promise for better days - a healthy community, kids in schools, fully opened businesses, and a thriving economy. The second half of 2021 will be a great time of healing and recovery!”
Our hope is that this event can also serve as a reminder that the fight is not over and we must continue to do our part to keep each other safe. While the vaccine is one of our strongest tools to combat the disease, supplies remain limited and people need to continue wearing face coverings, washing hands and maintaining social distance to prevent infection.
As we mark this anniversary, the El Paso County Vaccine Consortium is working tirelessly to get shots into arms as quickly and safely as possible to help protect our community and end this pandemic.