Annapolis Will Ring Bells To Remember Coronavirus Victims

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis houses of worship will ring bells Tuesday evening to remember all the locals who lost their lives to coronavirus. The event is part of a nationwide memorial organized by President-elect Joe Biden's team.

"The Presidential Inaugural Committee reached out and asked the City of Annapolis to stand with other cities in a show of unity," Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a press release. "The City of Annapolis has lost dozens to this virus over the past 10 months. We mourn with their friends and families."

Buckley will kick off the ceremony opening remarks at 5:25 p.m. Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin Simmons will also say a few words. Their comments will be livestreamed on the City of Annapolis Facebook and Instagram pages.

The bells start at 5:30 p.m. St. Anne's Parish, Kneseth Israel Congregation, St. Mary's Church and Mount Olive AME Church will all partake. The city encourages businesses and residents to step outside and ring their own bells as well.

A moment of silence will follow at 5:35 p.m. City Hall and city government offices will light their windows green overnight as a tribute.

"Even while the Health Department is rolling out the vaccine, case rates and positivity numbers are climbing," Simmons said in the release. "We take this moment to mourn those lost, but we must remain vigilant by continuing to wear a mask, watch our distance and wash our hands. This is a show of unity on this night, but by continuing with our pandemic protocols, we can honor those lost by slowing the spread of this deadly virus."

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