A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, to recognize the bravery of and sacrifices made by South Dakotans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHEREAS, today, we acknowledge and honor those South Dakotans who have died from COVID-19, as well as those that continue to suffer an ongoing battle against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, we honor nursing home workers, healthcare workers, and first responders who continue to work on the frontlines every day to care for South Dakotans; and

WHEREAS, businesses have redesigned their daily routines and some have been forced to shut down during these economically challenging times, and people have lost their jobs or been displaced, putting stress on families and business owners alike; and

WHEREAS, schools were challenged to balance safety and educational excellence, charged with the protection of our children's health while meeting their critical educational needs; and

WHEREAS, the elderly have been isolated in resident living centers, separated from their families during these extraordinarily difficult and dangerous times, especially for them; and

WHEREAS, the words "we shall overcome" drive us on to a brighter future when we can safely gather again;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Sixth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the bravery with which our citizens have endured this pandemic and the sacrifices and losses that have impacted all South Dakotans.