CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 73 Vermillion County residents have died of COVID-19 since March 2020 and while the pandemic may be coming to an end, one city is working to ensure those lives are not forgotten.
Those walking down Main Street in Clinton, Ind. may see a a wall commemorating the 73 lives lost, with the most recent heart was hung up just days ago. The Clinton City Community Center developed memorial where each heart at the window represents a life lost.
As the pandemic nears two years of existence, officials in Vermillion County said this memorial will be displayed until “this is totally behind us.” Memorial organizers said that behind every yellow heart is a story and that the design was chosen for a special but simple reason.
“Many hearts are no longer living and hearts are a sign of love,” Peggie Parson-Palmer, the memorial’s creator, said. “I wanted to remember all the residents in Vermillion County who have lost their life, who are no longer sitting with family members eating dinner.”
After Parsons-Palmer came up with the idea, it was presented to city officials. The memorial was approved in a unanimous vote by Clinton’s mayor and the Board of Public Works to be displayed at the community center.
As a resident and member of the Vermillion County Health Department, Parsons-Palmer said she encourages residents to remember the devastation caused by COVID.
“I want them to realize we all do care and honor the residents in Vermillion County,” she said. “And we don’t want to forget any of them.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 4,000 Vermillion County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. The latest metrics map by the Indiana Department of Health lists Vermillion County in the orange range.
Although some buildings, like Clinton City Hall, remain closed, Mayor Jack Gilfoy said he is optimistic for the future.
“I think the citizens have done well and I think the businesses have to,” Gilfoy said. “I think we have survived the biggest hit and we’ll continue to move forward.”
Families can personalize each heart put into the memorial. Officials said the display will come down when the pandemic ends.
“I think that this is a great way to show we care,” Gilfoy said. “The city of Clinton cares.”
A prayer vigil will be held on Thursday, March 31 at the Community Center, located at 301 S. Main Street in Clinton.
