Volunteers sought to help with Detroit virus memorial

DETROIT (AP) — The city of Detroit is seeking about 400 volunteers to sign up and assist with a memorial honoring residents who have died from COVID-19.

A memorial drive at Belle Isle State Park is scheduled for Monday. Mayor Mike Duggan declared the day as Detroit Memorial Day to remember residents who didn't have the funerals that they deserved due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Families will drive in 15 processions past nearly 900 enlarged photos of their loved ones. Hearses will lead the processions. More than 1,500 Detroit residents have died due to complications from the virus.

The public can visit Belle Isle to see the photos Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Detroiters care deeply for one another, and we felt it was important and necessary to provide an opportunity for members of this community to collectively celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost to this terrible virus,” Duggan said. “This is how we begin the healing process.”