Mirror readers are today urged to tell the Government how the UK’s 205,843 coronavirus victims should be remembered.
The Cabinet Office has launched a six-week public consultation on how those who died in the Covid-19 pandemic should be honoured.
The Mirror has campaigned for a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives.
Suggestions have included making permanent the tribute on the “Covid Memorial Wall” on London’s Albert Embankment and earmarking March 23 - the date of the first lockdown - an annual remembrance day.
Now the Government is asking the public for their views, and says ideas “could include options such as memorials and a national day of remembrance” or “the adoption of a Remembrance Sunday-style symbol” so the pandemic will be “remembered in our history forever”.
UK Commission on Covid Commemoration chairwoman, former Cabinet Minister Baroness Nicky Morgan, said: “The pandemic had a profound impact on all our lives and will be remembered in our history forever.
“Through this consultation, we want to hear from as many people as possible about how we should remember those who lost their lives and those who cared for those in need as well as those who kept our essential services running, or stepped up in other ways such as taking on volunteering responsibilities.
“We know there are some incredible initiatives already happening across the UK and we want to build on this great work and consider further ways to commemorate and mark this period in our history.”
The Commission is also seeking suggestions on possible dates to hold a national day of remembrance.
It also wants “views on how future generations should be educated about the sacrifices made throughout the pandemic, as well as marking key achievements such as the development of the vaccines and the valuable contribution made by volunteers”.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who chairs Westminster’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, said: “The grief caused by the pandemic is felt every day by the millions in the UK who lost loved ones or found their lives profoundly altered by Long Covid.
“While our APPG has previously recommended a permanent monument in Whitehall and a fund for councils to memorialise across the country, this public consultation will be a welcome opportunity for them to shape a lasting memorial in honour of every life lost to Covid-19.”
Hannah Brady, whose father Shaun Brady, of Wigan, Gtr Manchester, died from coronavirus aged 55 in May 2020, said: “For over 18 months the National Covid Memorial Wall has been a place that those lost to Covid-19 can be remembered and that those who visit can pause and remember what we have been through as a nation.
“It was created and is maintained by those who lost loved ones and we hope the public will support us by calling on the Commission to help make the National Covid Memorial Wall permanent."
The public consultation will run until December 5, with recommendations sent to the Prime Minister by the end of March.
To take part, click on: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/covid-commemoration-consultation
