Covid-19 Vigil

A COVID-19 Remembrance Vigil was held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at Church of the Cross (Presbyterian USA), 475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. The vigil was live-streamed on our Facebook page.  Click HERE to view the recording.  The remembrance service also honored first responders and front-line workers who were instrumental in helping our community get through the pandemic.

The 1918 influenza pandemic took 675,000 American lives and at least 50 million worldwide. Yet, it was largely forgotten over the years. There is only a single monument remembering the victims, and it was placed 100 years later in Vermont.  “We don’t want this to happen with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Church of the Cross pastor, Rev. Julie Peterson.  To date, COVID-19 has claimed nearly a million lives in the United States and almost 38,000 in Illinois.  “It is important for us to gather in remembrance as the pandemic begins to wane, while the deep loss is fresh in our minds.  We are planting a living memorial tree and holding a vigil to reflect on the pandemic’s toll on our world and to bless the memories of these beloved people who suffered and died.”

​The one-hour vigil included music, prayers, meditations, and remarks from local officials.  A bell tolled in remembrance of those who passed away and a memorial plaque will be installed by the tree.