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Covid Memorial Ceremony In Frankfort Honors More Than 3000 Kentuckians

Governor Beshear's Office

More than 3000 American flags have been placed on Kentucky’s Capitol grounds to recognize those who have died from COVID-19.  Governor Beshear participated in a memorial service Friday Afternoon.

The governor and lieutenant governor spoke briefly before they and the first lady placed the last of the 3301 flags, one for each Kentuckian whose death has been attributed to coronavirus in the Capitol grass. “It took us six months from March to September before we lost a thousand Kentuckians.  Six months.  It took just three months in early December where we crossed two thousand lost.  And from there it took just little over 30 days to reach 3000 Kentuckians killed by this devastating virus,” said Beshear.

When she spoke, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman noted the harshness of the disease in how people have died. “And in a cruel by-product of this pandemic, most of those who we have lost, have had to endure this pain alone.  Undoubtedly we have reached a point where every Kentuckian has seen the most heartbreaking effects of this virus,” said Coleman

Governor Beshear said the flag he placed in the ground was in honor of frontline caregivers lost to coronavirus.  The First Lady’s flag honored every parent, child, and family member who has lost a loved one to the virus.  And the lieutenant governor’s flag was in honor of educators lost to COVID-19.?

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