Lawrenceville Joins National Memorial to Lives Lost to COVID-19

On Jan. 19 at 5:15 p.m., the Lawrenceville School participated (via Zoom) in the national Memorial to Lives Lost to COVID-19. The bells of the Edith Memorial Chapel rang out to honor the more than 400,000 Americans who have died since March 2019 in the pandemic.

"The number is staggering, so we remember that each number represents a person who was unique and amazing, who was loved and who was cherished,” said Rev. Sue Anne Steffey Morrow. “Our presence here affirms that we will stand up boldly for justice and the American aspiration that we are all treated equally and we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

After Danica Bajaj ‘21, president of Lawrenceville’s Religious Life Council, encouraged all to light a candle and join her in a moment of silence, Head of School Steve Murray spoke. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the pandemic, beyond the premature departure of so many people, he noted, was the number who passed without the comforting presence of family and friends. “By lighting these candles and with our accompanying heartfelt prayers, we hope to bring some consolation and condolence to those who grieve for them,” Murray said. 

Morrow concluded the ceremony, asking those in attendance to “Stand boldly for justice, reach out to one another, and go in peace.”

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.