A number of events are set to take place in Belfast marking two years since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in Northern Ireland as part of the National Day of Reflection.
The National Day of Reflection on March 23 is a day to connect and support the people who have been bereaved during the last two years and to reflect on and remember the lives of those who have died.
Spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, over 350 organisations and politicians such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon are also behind the day.
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Northern Ireland’s headline event will be the Marie Curie Wall of Reflection at Belfast’s Imagine Festival at 2 Royal Avenue where the public will be able to drop in anytime during the Day of Reflection to add their commemoration to the wall.
This can be a photo, a loved one’s name or cherished memory - people will also be able to visit memory sound boxes and record their own memories as well.
There will be a minute’s silence at 12 noon to reflect and remember loved ones lost, and a candlelight Vigil at Belfast City Hall from 6.30pm to shine a light of support to all those grieving.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The National Day of Reflection provides us with an important opportunity to pause and remember the lives of all those who sadly died in the past two years.
“We also acknowledge the pain and grief of bereaved families. Experiencing loss during the pandemic will have meant that many people missed out on those important grieving rituals, so as more aspects of normal life start to resume, it’s vital that we remember and support all those in our communities who will be dealing with the trauma of loss.
“I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our health and social care workforce. In spite of many challenges, their dedication to patients and service users has been unwavering.”
Last year, the first National Day of Reflection saw widespread support and connected the nation in grief in the first event of its kind.
To mark the second anniversary of the Covid pandemic and its impact on our lives, prominent buildings and landmarks will also be lit up across the UK on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Those lost to Covid will never be out of our hearts and minds, and today we reflect as a nation.
“The toll this pandemic has taken across the globe is immeasurable. The National Day of Reflection is a chance to come together, mourn, and offer our collective support and sympathies to all those grieving.
“It’s also a chance to thank everyone who cared for us throughout. I saw first-hand the heroic efforts of NHS staff and I pay tribute to them, the grief counsellors, charity workers, and friends and families, as we pause to remember those we have lost.”
Marie Curie’s Chief Executive, Matthew Reed, added: “The last two years have reminded us of how much harder grief is when you are isolated from those you care about and those who support you. And while life may be beginning to return to normal for some of us there are many living with the deep trauma of losing a loved one.
“Grief doesn’t have a lifespan, nor does it discriminate. As a society, we need to find better ways of dealing with grief. We hope that having a special day will bring comfort to millions of us who feel the pain of grief, regardless of time or circumstance.
“The National Day of Reflection last year showed that a national day was very much needed and profoundly resonated with people up and down the UK. It is time to come together again to reflect on the lives of the people we’ve lost and support those who are grieving.”
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