LAFAYETTE PARISH — 225 flags stand at the corner of St. Barnabus Episcopal Church in Lafayette to represent the lives lost due to COVID-19 in Lafayette Parish since the pandemic began a year ago.
"It has impacted our lives in so many ways, and so many people have died in this area" said Michael Bordelon, Reverand at St. Barnabus. "This is our opportunity to remember them, to pray for them and to let the family members know that their loved ones aren't forgotten."
On Sunday, January 24, the number of deaths in the parish due to COVID-19 had risen to 227. To see the numbers, click here.
Many families were unable to host proper funerals and burials due to the restrictions. The memorial stands as a place for those families to grieve, but also for a reminder to the community of the harsh reality of the virus.
"It gives us an opportunity to open our eyes to the impact that this disease has had on our community," said community advocate, Aly Roberts. "Not just numbers on a page, but actual real people."
St. Barnabus Church encourages anyone in the community who has lost a loved one due to the virus to stop by and write that person's name on a flag so that they may be remembered and honored by the rest of the community.
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