London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral has created on online national book of remembrance to commemorate those in the UK who have died from COVID-19.
People of all faiths, beliefs and none, are invited to contribute to the ‘Remember Me’ website, which goes live on 22nd May. The cathedral said family, friends and carers of those who have died can submit the name, photograph and a short message in honour of a deceased person, who must have been living in the UK, on the website.
Prince Charles, in a video message, said the virtual book of remembrance “is here to help us remember; not just to recall our loss and sorrow, but also to be thankful for everything good that those we have loved brought into our lives, and all that they have given to others”.
“We give thanks for how our lives have been woven together with theirs and, through this book, you are invited to share their lives with others so that we and those who follow us can all remember what has been and build together a better and more hopeful future.”
The choristers at St Paul’s have recorded a special piece of music, Lift Thine Eyes, which cathedral representatives said would “serve as an anthem for the book of remembrance”.
There are also plans for a physical memorial for the victims of COVID-19 in the north transept of the cathedral.
David Ison, dean of St Paul’s, said in a statement that every person who died in the pandemic was “valued and worthy of remembrance”.
“We are all experiencing the devastating impacts of COVID-19 across the country and beyond. ‘Remember Me’ is an opportunity to mourn every person we have lost to the effects of this terrible disease, an encouragement to offer compassion and support to those left behind, and an ongoing recognition of the impact of the pandemic on the UK.”
The cathedral said the website would be open for entries for as long as needed.
