Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, blesses the COVID-19 memorial at Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital at its dedication Sept. 8. In addition to the bronze sculpture designed by Timothy Schmalz, the memorial includes
a time capsule to be opened in 2120 — 100 years from the start of the pandemic. It also has a plaque that pays tribute to those who cared for COVID's victims, another that honors those who died from or were affected by the virus, and a third meant
to serve as a historical marker. "For more than two years, we have used words such as unprecedented and crises to describe what we have endured, so it is only fitting that we always remember this time and those who perished due to this virus," Dr.
John Luellen, president of Mercy Health — Youngstown, said at the dedication. Mercy Health — Youngstown is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health.