The tolling of the bell became a somberly familiar sound during the COVID-19 pandemic, honoring the lives lost to the disease. A dedication ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on Wednesday to mark the fourth anniversary since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Kentucky.
Early on during the pandemic, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentuckians to come together by ringing bells at 10 a.m. daily, as a symbol of solidarity in those challenging times to serve as a reminder that no one is alone.
Since the start of the pandemic, Dr. Steven Stack said COVID-19 has contributed to the deaths of nearly 20,000 Kentuckians and 1.2 million Americans. To honor the ones we have lost, he said we take strength and encouragement from the things we did uniquely and well here in Kentucky to overcome the challenges we faced.
click to download audioHe also highlighted his favorite Bible passage in Micah 6:8 and the spirit of community that helped Kentucky fight the pandemic.
click to download audioGovernor Beshear acknowledged the fourth anniversary of COVID-19 and the associated 19,650 fatalities within the state.
click to download audioThe Governor issued a proclamation officially marking Wednesday, March 6, 2024, as “A Day of Compassion” in the commonwealth.
click to download audioThroughout the pandemic, at 10 AM each weekday in the Capitol Rotunda, now retired Secretary of State official Kandie Adkinson rang her father’s bell 120 times to honor the lives lost in each county to COVID-19.
