Public buildings to be lit yellow to mark one year of lockdown restrictions
22 March 2021
Civic buildings in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area will be lit yellow this Tuesday, March 23rd, to mark the first anniversary of the UK Covid 19 Lockdown and the first anniversary of the first death from the virus in Northern Ireland.
The Guildhall Clock, Council offices in Strand Road and the Alley Theatre will join public buildings across the North in the gesture to remember all those who have been affected by the virus.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, welcomed the initiative.
“The last year has been a time of great upheaval and uncertainty where we have all had to adapt to the new norm and make huge sacrifices to keep our loved ones safe,” he said.
“A year down the line and we still aren’t out of the woods but we can take great pride in the way we have adapted our lives at home and at work to deal with the challenges
“Lighting our public buildings yellow is a poignant remember of all those who have tragically lost their lives to Covid 19 and all the families affected by the virus over the last 12 months – a year we will never forget.”
Mayor Tierney had particular praise for the community effort to meet the challenges of the pandemic and front line workers who have worked tirelessly to meet the demands it presented.
“As Mayor I have seen at first hand the positive way the people of this community have united together to show strength and resilience at this difficult time,” he said. “I am extremely proud of the way in which we have stood together over the past year, made sacrifices and reached out to help one another at their time of need.
“It hasn’t been easy, unfortunately too many families have lost loved ones and my heart goes out to them as they try to cope with their grief and loss.
“Our NHS workers and all our frontline staff across the public and private sector have done us proud every day providing us with essential services during this emergency.
“We are indebted to each and every one of them.
“One of the things we have learned from the pandemic is the importance of communities making sacrifices for the common good and nowhere is that more evident than here in Derry and Strabane.”