President Piñera pays tribute to people who died in the COVID-19 pandemic: “It’s time to join our hearts”
The President, accompanied by the First Lady and government officials, presided over a ceremony at Santiago’s Plaza de la Ciudadanía, attended by families of people who died from COVID-19 and healthcare workers. The government decreed Monday and Tuesday (August 9 and 10) as National Days of Mourning.
President Sebastián Piñera led a national tribute on Sunday for the people who passed away due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.
During the ceremony, the Plaza de la Ciudadanía, located in downtown Santiago, was lit up and the Bicentennial Flag was hoisted at half-mast.
“To remember is ‘to bring back to one’s heart’. We want to remember their stories, their faces, experiences, anecdotes and smiles, which, I am sure, their families will always remember. Tonight, along with remembering, we want to pay a heartfelt tribute to each one of the victims of the pandemic,” said the President at the ceremony, accompanied by First Lady Cecilia Morel, family members of people who died from COVID-19, and healthcare workers.
“Nothing in this world can remedy or compensate the loss and absence of a loved one. We know nothing can replace a mother’s kiss, a father’s hug, a partner’s company, a young person’s joy or a child’s smile. No one can fill the immense emptiness that the loss and absence of a loved one leaves in our soul. Only God, in His boundless love, may give consolation and meaning to the pain in this world,” added the President. Also in attendance were Health Minister Enrique Paris, Public Health Undersecretary Paula Daza, and Healthcare Networks Undersecretary Alberto Dougnac.
“It is time to join our hearts and wills to overcome this pandemic and be inspired by the testimony and example of those who have departed, so that together we may continue walking with renewed faith and hope in ourselves, our families and our country. So we can realize our dreams and resume our lives in fullness,” said the President.
The President decreed Monday and Tuesday (August 9 and 10) as National Days of Mourning.