The enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt, not just in ongoing health concerns, but also in the collective grief experienced by communities worldwide. As we approach , many are pausing to remember the lives lost to the virus, a tradition that began in the early days of the pandemic and continues to this day.
The scale of loss is staggering. Globally, over 7.1 million deaths have been reported as of January 2026. In the United States alone, over 1.2 million people have succumbed to the virus. Even as the acute phase of the pandemic has subsided, COVID-19 continues to claim approximately 200,000 American lives each year. The pandemic is now recognized as the deadliest disaster in U.S. History.
These numbers, while stark, represent more than just statistics. As Juanita Carnes, a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in emergency medicine, reflects, “It always seems so impersonal putting out these numbers, but the data do show the enormous impact. Each number represents a person. A person who was well loved by parents, family, and friends. A life cut short causing a ripple affect of loss, grief and consequences for those left behind.” The emotional toll on families and communities is immeasurable, a grief that, as Carnes notes, “never leaves.”
The impact is also felt closer to home. Massachusetts has lost nearly 21,000 people to COVID-19, with approximately 200 deaths reported this season. While detailed local tracking has ceased since the official end of the pandemic, the absence of precise figures does not diminish the significance of each individual life lost. The focus, as Carnes emphasizes, is on honoring each person, recognizing the profound impact of their absence.
The need for remembrance and collective mourning is being addressed through various memorial initiatives. In London, a national COVID memorial wall serves as a physical space for remembrance. In the United States, a Covid Memorial Pyramid stands in Germantown, Maryland. Similar memorials are being planned or constructed in Belgium, New York City, New Jersey, and Chicago, demonstrating a widespread desire to create lasting tributes to those lost.
These memorials take different forms, reflecting the diverse ways in which communities are processing their grief. The National Covid Memorial, for example, utilizes augmented reality technology to preserve the names, photos, and stories of those who died, creating an interactive and deeply personal experience. Inspired by the AIDS Quilt, it aims to ensure that every individual is remembered, not simply as a statistic, but as a unique human being.
Another innovative approach is the Forest of Memories, a project spearheaded by Our Heroes CIC in the United Kingdom. This initiative seeks to transform grief into life by planting a tree for each person lost to COVID-19. Each “Memory Tree” is linked to a digital profile containing the individual’s story, creating a living, growing memorial that honors their life and contributes to environmental regeneration. The project recognizes the need for both remembrance and healing, offering a tangible way to connect with the memory of loved ones while also supporting the planet.
The memorials themselves offer powerful reflections on the experience of loss. One inscription on the National Covid Memorial reads, “This wall is an anchor, a lodestone for the shock and horror, the anguish and anger of so many hundreds of thousands of us, bereaved and bereft by covid. Somehow, this simple wall of hearts captures and holds the enormity of our loss. All those beautiful souls. The wall is all we have left.” Another emphasizes the importance of community, stating, “A place of unity. Where losing someone this way has been very isolating for many different reasons, the wall is a reminder we aren’t alone. They had names, families who loved them, stories to tell — and they well never be just a number. The wall reflects that.”
As we reflect on the lives lost, it’s crucial to remember that the pandemic’s impact extends far beyond the immediate health crisis. The grief and trauma experienced by individuals and communities will continue to resonate for years to come. Taking time to remember, to honor, and to support those who are still grieving is essential. Reaching out to friends and family who have lost loved ones, letting them know they are not forgotten, can provide a vital source of comfort and connection.
In the words of Juanita Carnes, “Please take a moment of silence and remember those no longer with us. Reach out to their friends and family to let them know they are not forgotten or lost in the politics that overshadowed their tragedy. We can be that wall as long as we remember.” And, importantly, “Take care of yourself and someone else.”
