(Submitted by Progress Iowa) Des Moines, Iowa – A new effort to recognize the more than five thousand Iowans lost to COVID-19 since March 24, 2020 launched today, with a new website at iowacovidmemorial.org. Anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or loved one due to COVID-19 is invited to submit their name to be listed on an online virtual wall. Along with a growing list of partner organizations, Progress Iowa published the website to recognize this tragic milestone by listing the names of individuals that have passed away and will share memorial events in the coming weeks.

The memorial site will also share personal stories and memories of Iowans lost to COVID-19, and has a form for loved ones to provide this information. Each Iowan with a story or photo shared will have their own page dedicated to their memory.  “Too many Iowans lost a loved one this year, and we cannot forget their memory,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. “Iowans have lost too much this past year for us to simply let this go by as just another day. Our hope is that we recognize the devastating loss felt by so many, and reflect on how we can best move forward safely together as one community as we still face significant challenges as a result of the pandemic.”

“I am 78 years old, and like all my aging friends and relatives, we are living with a target on our backs,” said Mike McCarthy, president, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans. “In Iowa, 9 out of 10 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic have been people my age. Wearing a mask, social distancing and other mitigation measures are easy compared to planning a funeral. We must remember the lessons from this pandemic and those we have lost. May they rest in peace.”

The memorial website launch will lead up to a variety of memorial events in the coming weeks. These events will be promoted by the coalition listed on the iowacovidmemorial.org website.