DETROIT (WXYZ) — The City of Detroit is seeking 400 volunteers to assist with the Aug. 31 Memorial Drive on Belle Isle to honor victims of COVID-19.
Mayor Mike Duggan has declared Aug. 31 as Detroit Memorial Day, to remember those who did not have funerals and homegoings.
“Detroiters care deeply for one another and we felt it was important and necessary to provide an opportunity for members of this community to collectively celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost to this terrible virus,” Duggan said in a press release. “This is how we begin the healing process.”
On Monday, families will drive their cars in 15 consecutive funeral processions past nearly 900 billboard-sized photos of loved ones, the city said. Family members provided the images. The photos represent a majority of the 1,500 lost to the virus.''
After the processions, which will be led by several Detroit-area funeral homes, the city has arranged for repasts, or dinner, for the nearly 900 families.
The drive will last from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Belle Isle will be closed to all public car, bike and pedestrian traffic for the day.
The billboards will be on public display Tuesday and Wednesday.
Volunteers should sign up here.
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