The Canadian flag in front of Sarnia City Hall will be lowered to half-mast on Friday in recognition of National Day of Observance, two years after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau designated March 11 as the National Day of Observance in 2021 as a way to commemorate those who died and the impacts caused by COVID-19.
As of Thursday, Canada reported a total of 37,157 deaths and Ontario reported a total of 12,638 fatalities.
Lambton Public Health has reported a total of 128 deaths linked to the virus.
"It's been a difficult time for everyone in this country," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. "We've lost 128 souls in this county because of COVID so I think it's a good day to reflect on those lives lost and to look optimistically now to the future."
Bradley hopes other community members who have a flag at their business or residence will also lower them to half-mast to "salute those who have lost their lives".
During this National Day of Observance, Bradley is also thanking those who have been serving the community throughout this pandemic.
"I just want to thank all of those people out there over the last two years on the front lines, in the hospitals, in the old age homes, even the cashiers at the supermarket dealing with people and trying to keep our community functioning," Bradley said.
Although the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 in Sarnia-Lambton wasn't confirmed until March 25, 2020.
