On Dec. 30, 2020, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs held a brief, private ceremony unveiling a COVID-19 memorial on the front lawn of the City County Building. 


 
The living memorial at 400 Main Street consists of a white flag for each person who has died from COVID-19 in Knox County.   
 
“We must honor those who have died and let families know that they are not alone,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “So many people in our community are experiencing loss because of the pandemic, but no loss is greater than the passing of a loved one.” 
 
“COVID-19 has taken friends, families and neighbors from us and has altered thousands of other lives in our community in one way or another as well,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Many are facing real grief and we want to show them that their loved ones are not forgotten and that they’re not just a number. Together, let us mourn these losses and work to stop more in the future.” 
 
In line with COVID-19 safety protocols, the ceremony consisted only of the two Mayors, Michael Rodgers from Knoxville Opera and necessary staff.   
 
Mayor Kincannon and Mayor Jacobs both delivered brief remarks before placing a wreath in an empty chair. The Mayors also added additional flags to the memorial to symbolize the community’s latest COVID-19 fatalities, as Rodgers sang “Amazing Grace” to conclude the event. 
 
The number of white flags will be updated weekly.   
 
Click here for video of the ceremony.