SAN JOSÉ, CA 19 ene 2021 – Today, San Jose will join communities around the country to remember the lives taken by COVID-19 as part of the Inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris. Mayor Sam Liccardo, along with Councilmember Sylvia Arenas, members of the city council, and community partners will hold a moment of silence during the nationwide memorial, featuring the lighting of well-recognized locations including San José City Hall, the SAP Center, Avaya Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, San José’s Convention Center and Historic Theaters.
“Our community has endured much grieving, as we remember the many friends, loved ones, and neighbors we have lost to COVID,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “In our shared suffering, we can summon our common resolve to endure and overcome the difficult challenges that still await us in this pandemic. Let us remember, and honor those we love, with this memorial.”
On February 6, 2020, a 57-year-old San Josean, Patricia Dowd, became the first American to die from COVID-19. Since then Santa Clara County witnessed over 1000 of the 400,000 deaths in the country. Thousands mourn the loss of their wives, husbands, sons, parents, friends, and neighbors. The country continues to profoundly feel the loss of these souls, and worry over next steps as ICU capacity continues to be at an all-time high and vaccines matriculate too slowly. Americans continue to endure sleepless nights over unemployment, inability to pay rent, and mounting bills. Families continue to struggle to place food on their tables and support children with distance learning and small business owners have been forced to close their doors forever. The effects of this pandemic will be felt for generations.
The San Jose Sharks, San Jose Earthquakes, San Francisco 49ers and San Jose’s Convention Center and historic theaters joined thousands across the country as they take the time to mourn those whose lives were taken too soon. Tomorrow, as a new Administration begins and gives unifying hope to the country, Americans can begin to recover.
“The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris represents the beginning of a new national journey. However, in the midst of a pandemic – when so many Americans are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors – it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the more challenging periods in this nation’s history, and renew our commitment to coming together to unite our country. end the pandemic, and rebuild our nation,” said PIC Communications Director Pili Tobar.
The memorial at City Hall was co-sponsored by Mayor Sam Liccardo and Councilmember Sylvia Arenas.
The following locations will be lit for the memorial at 5:30 p.m.
- San José City Hall
- SAP Center
- Avaya Stadium
- Levi’s Stadium
- San José Convention Center and Historic Theaters
Councilmember Sylvia Arenas (D-8)
“San Jose families will come together to bear witness to the loss of too many of our beloved community members. As we mourn, we are also mindful of the fact that underserved communities have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic,” said Councilmember Sylvia Arenas, recently recovered from her own COVID-19 illness. “Simply put, we have lost too many because of inequalities in our health care system, economy, housing, and government policies. We must deepen our effort to fight this disease, but also the underlying disease of systemic racism. We owe this to those who we have lost.”
Al Guido, President, San Francisco 49ers
“The 49ers are proud to participate in this national initiative to remember the dear people we have lost during the pandemic and show unity and support for their families. As we know from our earlier recognitions of the healthcare and hospitality workers who have helped us all survive the national tragedy of the last year, coming together as a nation is crucial to the recovery process.”
Jared Shawlee, Chief Operating Officer, Earthquakes
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unimaginable devastation across the world and right here in our own community. We will light up Earthquakes Stadium at 2:30 p.m. on January 19 to remember and honor those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.”
John LaFortune, Chief Operations Officer, Team San Jose
“Team San Jose and the San Jose Theaters are proud to take part in this important moment. We are honored to be able to convey our deep sympathies to our community and to the families of all who lost their lives to COVID-19.”
