Fenwick Island Declares March 1st, 2021 COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day

FENWICK ISLAND, Del. - The town declared March 1st, 2021 as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day The special remembrance comes as Delaware nears the first anniversary of the state's first confirmed case. 

The Town of Fenwick Island says it was inspired to take formal action after seeing the losses and struggles caused by COVID-19 first-hand in the beach town and around the globe. 

Fenwick Islander Bicycle Shop tech Matt Hawkins says COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day is a sign of hope after a year of loss.

"A few family members passed away either COVID or COVID-related," Hawkins says. 

Hawkins says the pandemic has affected literally everything, creating a bike shortage when people began to spend more time outdoors. 

"With imports and exports being halted and all kinds of just insanity, bike companies weren't even sure what they were getting in," Hawkins says. 

Town Manager Teresa Tieman says the day of remembrance was declared to show people who live and work in town that they're not alone. 

"We care about your families and we care about you and we just need to all get through this together," Tieman says. 

The day of honor and remembrance nailed it for COVID-19 survivor Hien Leu, who lives in Fenwick and has owned Venus Nails for twelve years. 

"I'm hoping for a better summer," Leu says. "We probably are going to have to wear a mask still, but at least things are open. Maybe a little interaction with people again, that would be nice."

Tieman says COVID-19 restrictions have made it hard for people to grieve as they normally would. She has a few ideas for how people can honor their loved ones on this COVID-19 Memorial Day. 

"I think whatever makes them feel closer to their loved ones and I think they should take time to reflect on what has happened in the last year, but I think that we should reflect on what is coming and that is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and we're all in this together," Tieman says. 

Hawkins has a way to remember his loved ones beyond the day of remembrance. 

 "Wearing a mask, keeping my distance, that's the way I'm trying to remember them," Hawkins says. 

As for doing this annually in Fenwick, Tieman says that depends on if the state or country declare a COVID-19 Memorial Day a Day of Remembrance.