LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Biden-Harris inauguration committee asked communities across the U.S. to take a moment on Tuesday to honor COVID-19 victims and to stand in unity with the hope to see the end of the pandemic soon.
"As you all remember with was March 15 that Daniel Scully passed away, becoming Las Vegas’s very first victim of COVID-19," said Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick. "10 months later, here we are. I don’t think anyone thought we would be here 10 months later."
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The Southern Nevada Health District reports almost 3,000 people have died from COVID-19 as of Jan. 19. Clark County and the City of Las Vegas joined the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s call for the nation to honor COVID-19 victims.
"Everyone knows someone, no matter what industry they are in, that has been directly impacted by COVID-19," said City Councilman Brian Knudsen.
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"It’s in our best interest to remember them. To think about the traumatic loss of life to the United States of America and to Nevada. To look towards a brighter future where people are vaccinated and we can move on with our lives," Knudsen said.
Across the country, people stood in solidarity on Tuesday.
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The county illuminated the Rotunda Gallery at the Clark County Government Center with 29 beams of light -- one for every hundred people who have passed away from the coronavirus locally.
The Clark County Commission says they are dedicated to getting everyone who is willing vaccinated.
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"Citizens of this country, and for that matter citizens all around the world, who travel here are going to have to become convinced this is a safe place to come. We need to be able to market ourselves as the safest place to come," said Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson.
Nationwide, other cities and towns illuminated buildings, held candlelight ceremonies or rang church bells in remembrance of those who are no longer with us because of this virus and the commitment to combat it.
