COVID-19 memorial honors those who died in New Castle County, Delaware

BEAR, Delaware (WPVI) -- Officials in New Castle County, Delaware held a special memorial for more than 1,300 county residents who died from COVID-19.

The ceremony was held Wednesday night at Glasgow Park in Bear.

Local officials gathered with faith leaders and loved ones to unveil a memorial flag display with the names of those who died from COVID 19.

There was also a dedication of a memorial bench, and photos of those who died were displayed on the walls of the barn at Glasgow Park.

The memorial will be available until October.

Vernell Jackson-Hackett stood with her family and remembered her father Chester Jackson.

"He died when he was 89 in March of 2020. It's a beautiful outlet. The outdoors -- it's the scenery. It doesn't bring sadness, it brings joy," said Jackson-Hackett.

"I'm just very grateful and I'm happy that everybody was able to experience this and their loved ones weren't forgotten," she added.

Shaquanna Robinson's father, Terry Mitchell, was just 57 years old when he died during the pandemic. She joined his wife and their extended family sitting next to the flag bearing his name.

"This is like part of healing for me," said Robinson.

Renee Mitchell stood next to Robinson, her husband's daughter, and said she was grateful for the fellowship.

"Sometimes you feel like you're isolated, like you're the only one going through it. But looking around at everybody here, you know you're not alone," said Mitchell.

New Castle County has lost 1,368 people related to the COVID-19 pandemic.