Morean Center for Clay

The Covid Ribbon Memorial of Florida exhibited at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, Florida during the month of March 2021.

At that time, it included over 34,000 ribbons spanning three football fields long and stretched along the Center’s outer fence, back and forth, several times.

It was visible for viewers as they either walked or drove by to see the mass numbers of colorful ribbons hanging and blowing in the wind. Many people came to personally interact with the memorial, taking their time to remember, grief and celebrate their lost loved ones to Covid-19 in a way they had not been able to during the pandemic.

Some people also wrote the names of their lost loved ones on ribbons and added laminated pictures among the ribbons too.

We Remember Them Memorial

On March 24, 2021 there was an emotional, “We Remember Them Memorial” event to honor those who have died from Covid-19 and suffered from their losses. Guest speaker, Mayor Rick Kriseman gave a passionate speech.

We’re a visual society. You hear the numbers and it doesn’t register. That (he points to the ribbons) registers. Each one of those should register because that’s a person, because that’s a life, because that’s someone who was here who isn’t here today. When I see those numbers of those who have died here today, including those in Pinellas and St. Petersburg, it hurts my heart. — Mayor Kriseman

Kathy Flora also shared her touching and painful personal story of losing her mother from Covid-19.

It was deep, deep grief when we lost her. I really wanted to walk my mom all the way home and I couldn’t do it,” Flora adding. “When I signed my ribbon the grief kind of lifted and I felt her spirit rise up. — Kathy Flora

Other speakers included Rabbi Wientraub, Congregation B’nai Israel, Howayda Affan, Morean Executive Director, and original artist, Cathy Tobias.