By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would designate March 10th as COVID-19 Remembrance Day to honor all the people, especially older adults and people with disabilities, who died or were stricken with COVID-19.

The measure also expresses appreciation of first responders, caregivers and researchers who cared for victims or developed treatments or vaccines in response to the virus. The measure would not take effect until March of 2025 since March 10th of this year has already passed.

“I am very pleased to see action taken toward establishing COVID-19 Remembrance Day which would honor those who have been lost to or affected by COVID,” said co-sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “It also acknowledges the essential workers who helped us get through the hardest times and contributed to our commonwealth’s recovery.”

“At the time of the pandemic, I was the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, and had an upfront seat, in a sense, to the tragedy that was unfolding especially in our nursing homes, and to aging adults, generally,” said co-sponsor Rep. Ruth Balser (D-Newton). “ I feel it is important to remember those we lost and to honor those who helped keep us safe.”