FOR RELEASE: August 29,2020 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Tracey Lynn Pearson

248-864-6874

pearsontr@detroitmi.gov

Please note, Monday's event is for families of victims only who have pre-registered to participate.

(FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY)

DETROIT MEMORIAL TO HONOR VICTIMS OF COVID-19

• Detroit Memorial Day to begin with remarks from Mayor Duggan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist before 15 funeral processions take the Memorial Drive Around Belle Isle to honor the City’s 1,500 victims of COVID-19

WHAT: Mayor Mike Duggan will be joined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist to offer remarks and begin the Detroit Memorial Drive On Belle Isle to honor COVID-19 victims during the official Detroit Memorial Day. The celebration of life will feature 15 funeral processions driving a dedicated route on Belle Isle, it is the nation’s first citywide memorial to honor pandemic victims.

WRCJ 90.9 radio will offer live coverage of the press conference and the soundtrack for the memorial, playing classical, jazz and gospel music all day. The entire city has been asked to tune to 90.9 for the memorial. Following Mayor Duggan's remarks, he will call for the ringing of bells across the City and around Belle Isle. Members of the Belle Isle Conservancy, wearing white gloves and bright smiles, will greet families as they enter the Island and give families roses.

WHO:

• Mayor Mike Duggan 
• Governor Gretchen Whitmer 
• Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist
• Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture
• Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
• Gary Torgow, TCF Financial Executive Chairman 
• Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company Fund Director 

WHEN: 8:15 a.m., Monday August 31, 2020

WHERE: Belle Isle Bridge Entrance at the intersection of Jefferson Ave and East Grand Blvd. 

All media are required to register by sending an email to Tracey Lynn Pearson at pearsontr@detroitmi.gov.  Members of the press will be required to stop at the Press check-in parking lot across the street from Belle Isle at the corner of Jefferson and Grand Boulevard. Health inspectors will take temperatures beginning at 7 a.m. to approve entrance to Press Row.

Note: There is absolutely no stopping during the processions. Interviewing families during the processions is prohibited.