March 8, 2021
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Tonight, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined the State in a “Day of Remembrance” by lighting the George Howard Building in Ellicott City amber. The Day of Remembrance is an initiative launched by Governor Hogan to mark a year of COVID-19 in Maryland.
“Howard County has lost 223 of our neighbors to this devasting virus, and we’ve lost more than 7,700 Marylanders,” said Ball. “We know that there are so many people who have lost loved ones, family, and friends during this pandemic, and it’s been so difficult to properly grieve while being isolated from one another. Most recently, we lost Laura Wetherald, our Bureau Chief for Recreation and a County employee for 34 years. Laura was a bright light and will be truly missed. Our hearts are with everyone who lost someone dear to them due to this virus – and know that you are not alone. We hope this evening will be an opportunity for our residents and community to join together to remember all the souls we have lost this past year, and remind everyone that we are one community, one state, united in this fight against COVID-19.”
"Each life lost to COVID-19 leaves behind loved ones and countless unfinished dreams, taking a devastating toll on our state and our nation, and we will never forget those whom we have lost," said Governor Larry Hogan. "As we continue working to eradicate this pandemic it is important to set aside a time to reflect on the devastation COVID-19 has caused globally, while leaving no community untouched."
Howard County has an abundance of resources for residents who are working through grief, stress, depression, isolation, or any other mental health challenges amid the pandemic. Please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/gethelp for more information and support. Additionally, if you or a loved one is in crisis please call 2-1-1 (statewide) or 410-531-6677 (local) for crisis assistance.