A new COVID 19 memorial monument has been added to the Kentucky Capitol grounds.

The monument was unveiled yesterday afternoon in Frankfort and will stand as a permanent memorial to the thousands of Kentuckians lost during the pandemic and their families.

We gather today to remember how much our world has changed since March of 2020, and we gather to honor 18,000 Kentuckians lost.

The COVID 19 pandemic interrupted our entire world, introducing unexpected illness, grief and insecurity to our families and friends.

It pulled many of us into the depths of despair and isolation, rendering bare the reality that every person is susceptible.

It also gave us a glimpse of how our communities can hold each other up in times of great challenge.

It showed us the grit, determination and innovation of our medical and scientific communities and frontline workers as well as the compassion and altruism of all types of caregivers across our great commonwealth.

This is a story lived in our time that will be shared with future generations and will be told by us and in part by this memorial monument.

Grief is strange.

I can't plan it and I certainly can't control it.

There is no way to truly prepare for the grief that we have experienced.

However, the COVID memorial brings me joy because I know that my loved one will never be forgotten.

Covid's Dark Shadow touched all of our lives and it spared no one.

Generations of Kentuckians will come to this area of the Capitol to learn about our heroes as well as reflect on the many great challenges that we face together, including the once in every 100 years pandemic.

We will recognize the loss that we have been through.

We will recognize the sacrifices that were made.

And we will provide a place and a safe place for everyone to be able to come to grief, to remember, and hopefully to process it in a way that helps them move forward.

Through tragedy that no one could have ever imagined.

Kentucky showed the world what it looked like to come together.

Let us embrace a spirit of oneness.

A family.

As we honor all Kentuckians and reflect on the great motto of our Commonwealth.

United we stand, Divided we Fall.

The COVID 19 Memorial Monument can be seen at the State Capital Monument Park, located on the Capitol grounds.