Luton Borough Council

07/03/2025 - Covid-19 Day of Reflection

Sunday 9 March, Covid-19 Day of Reflection, marks five years on from the start of the pandemic and gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact it has had on all of our lives and how we have adapted.

To mark the Day of Reflection, Cllr Khtija Malik, Portfolio Holder for Public Health gathered with some of the town’s frontline heroes, those people who helped to keep Luton safe and moving including council staff, faith leaders, staff working in health and social care and community, school and police representatives, in the Peace Garden in Wardown Park, where trees had been planted by community members in memory of those they have lost during the pandemic.

Cllr Malik invited those present to tie a ribbon to the trees in the Peace Garden as a simple but powerful act of remembrance, each ribbon to represent a cherish memory, a message of love or silent promise to never forget.

Cllr Malik said: “Covid-19 Day of Reflection is an opportunity to pause and remember. We reflect on the impact the pandemic has had on all of our lives. The challenges we face, the resilient we found and the way in which our communities came together in the face of uncertainty and lost.

“It was only right that we gathered in the Peace Garden, where trees stand as a living tributes to those who are no longer with us. These trees, planted by grieving families and compassionate community members are symbols of love, remembrance, and hope.

“The Day of Reflection is also about honouring the selflessness and courage of those who stood on the frontline, who gave their time, their energy and their kindness to help others. It give us the chance to acknowledge the true value of community and to remember that we can rebuild, heal and move forward together.”

For more information about the Peace Garden Initiative visit: https://peacegardens.org.uk/