Glebe-St James Memorial Tree
It has a ribbon for each victim.
By Teresa Burnett-Cole
Glebe-St. James United Church has established a COVID-19 Memorial Tree outside its Lyon Street entrance. A two-foot ribbon hangs in the tree for every patient who has died in Ottawa. At this writing, the tree has 323 ribbons; more are being added for each new victim for as long as the pandemic continues.
November 1, All Saints’ Day in the Christian tradition, is a day we remember those who have gone before us. This year, with the pandemic in mind, we wanted to remember those who have died from COVID-19. Not only does each ribbon mark a lost life but also a family, friends, neighbours and caregivers who also grieve the loss.
People walking by are indeed stopping, looking and pausing to reflect.
Reverend Teresa A. Burnett-Cole is coordinating minister at Glebe-St. James United Church.
