WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Greg Stanton reintroduced his bipartisan House resolution commemorating the first Monday in March as “COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.” The day would memorialize those lost to the virus and recognize the suffering who still carry unknown health side effects.

Stanton has partnered with Marked by COVID, an advocacy organization founded by two Arizona women who lost parents to the virus, to build awareness around the effort. The group will host its Annual Covid Memorial Day Virtual Vigil at 6 p.m. Arizona time this evening. [LINK to view]

“We’ve lost more than 1 million Americans to COVID,” said Stanton. “Commemorating COVID–19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day is an important marker for those who have been affected by the virus. As we shift into a new phase of the pandemic, we still need to take the time to let those who have lost a loved one, or who are still dealing with the long-term effects of COVID, know that they are not alone.”

Companion legislation had been introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. The full text of the resolution can be viewed here.

“We must mark our losses together to brace against a nation’s crushing sadness. Upstanders like Sen. Warren and Rep. Stanton, as well as countless activists and individuals, have shown me and my family solidarity in both pain and progress. We are unified in our commitment to observe Covid Memorial Day – and remember people like my dad Mark – on the first Monday of March, in perpetuity,” said Kristin Urquiza, co-founder of Marked By Covid.