Statewide Evening of Remembrance — A Year Later: We Honor and Reflect

DENVER - Today marked one year since the state announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Colorado. We have tragically lost nearly 6,000 Coloradans to this deadly virus. In an effort to honor those who we have lost over the last 12 months, Governor Polis invited all Coloradans, counties, cities, businesses, and organizations to participate in a virtual statewide Evening of Remembrance.

Cities, counties across the state turned their buildings magenta during the evening - magenta represents universal love: compassion and kindness. WWII-era aircraft performed a flyover from west to east over the state capitol in the afternoon.

A virtual remembrance ceremony took place on the west steps of the Colorado state capitol and was broadcasted on television, radio, and on mobile devices across the state.

“It’s the loss of life as we knew it, of the certainty we once took for granted, and of who we were before this pandemic began. Each of us has lived a different experience over this last year, but we all have reason to mourn. With all change comes loss, with all loss comes grief. But out of our pain, we’ve summoned strength and resilience that lives deep in our DNA as Coloradans. Time and time again we have proven that no matter how often we are knocked down, we will keep getting up. We do not quit because we are Coloradans,” Governor Polis said to Coloradans this evening.

Pastor Josh Kingry of Red Rocks Church offered the opening prayer. Red Rocks Church is the second largest church in the state and has been an example of adapting to protect the health and safety of Coloradans while still providing services.

Governor Polis then addressed the state of Colorado regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Governor Polis’s address as prepared for delivery can be found here.

Mary Louise Lee then performed a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ accompanied by the Colorado Symphony. 

Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and First Gentleman Marlon Reis, members of the Colorado National Guard were in attendance. The  Colorado National Guard has played a key role in helping save lives throughout this pandemic by helping with testing many senior facilities and helping with the logistics and distribution of the vaccines across our state.

State Treasurer Dave Young, Secretary Jena Griswold, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Members of the Governor’s cabinet, Speaker Alec Garnett, Senator Julie Gonzales, Rep. Tim Geitner, Rep. Don Valdez, and Rep. Richard Holtorf, and members of the COVID response team were in attendance. 

The City of Denver lit the City and County Building and other City properties, the McNichols Building, DPAC, and Red Rocks Amphitheater in addition to these cities, counties, and organizations who participated (will be updated on a rolling basis) include: 

Ridgway 

Windsor 

Golden

Northglenn 

Aurora

Bennett

Superior

Pueblo

Centennial

Snowmass Village

Blue River

Fruita

Glenwood Springs

Colorado Springs

Arapahoe County

El Paso County

Denver

Durango

Boulder

Fort Collins

Ophir

Brighton

Commerce City

Arvada

Nederland

Jefferson County 

 

Denver Broncos - Empower Field at Mile High 

Colorado Rockies - Coors Field

Colorado State Capitol