Davis has dedicated a memorial to COVID. Here’s what it looks like
By Lezlie Sterling
The Davis Cemetery District dedicated a COVID-19 memorial on Sunday that will serve as a sanctuary of hope, reflection and remembrance.
It’s located in the city cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road in Davis.
The project was three years in the making. It features a walking path that leads through four portals in the themes of home, community, loss and hope.
The archways are covered in brightly colored mosaic tiles and painted with symbols from the pandemic to represent things like hand washing and essential workers.
There are also symbols of healing from multiple cultures around the world, including African, Egyptian, Native American, Buddhist and Jewish. Many native plants and animals are also represented.
At the end of the path is an art wall of mirrors where people can sit and reflect on the impact the pandemic had on their lives.
“There’s this connection between it all that allows us to somehow reflect, remember and honor all those who felt the wrath of COVID-19,” said Stephen Souza, Davis Cemetery District vice chair and memorial construction lead.
“I’m really proud of Davis for what seems to be the first COVID memorial of its kind,” said Wesley Horn, the project’s lead artist.
Allegra Silverstein, the city of Davis’ first poet laureate, dances with white wings as a member of the Threshold Singers as the Davis Cemetery District dedicates a permanent COVID-19 memorial on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Sandy Holman of Davis holds a red rose given out during the COVID-19 Memorial dedication ceremony at the Davis Cemetery District on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
People look at the reflection wall at the COVID-19 Memorial unveiled at the Davis Cemetery District on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
A chihuahua named Mr. Doggy Dog runs down a path featuring four portals of home, community, loss, and hope at the Davis Cemetery District’s COVID-19 Memorial on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
A mural showing hands of all cultures affected by the pandemic is seen where visitors can sit at the Davis Cemetery District’s COVID-19 Memorial. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Stephen Souza, vice chair of the Davis Cemetery District and memorial construction lead, dedicates a permanent COVID-19 Memorial on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Lead artist Wesley Horn sits with his son Max as one of the guest speakers as the Davis Cemetery District unveils their COVID-19 Memorial to the public on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Face masks stitched together are tied to posts for the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the Davis Cemetery District dedicates a permanent COVID-19 Memorial on Sunday. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
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