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Local Marietta businesses are coming together to host a community memorial event later this month to give people an opportunity to mourn the passing of beloved friends or family members.
By displaying a photo and written eulogy of loved ones, community members will have the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on fond memories later this month.
The ceremony will be 2-4 p.m. May 29 at East Muskingum Park in Marietta. All COVID protocols will be followed.
The event is not only for people whose friend or family member passed from COVID-19, it is also for people who weren't able to attend a traditional funeral service due to pandemic restrictions.
"We're hoping this will allow families and friends to have a place to gather around their loved one's memory in the park," said Sara Sauls, owner of Joe Momma's Kitchen.
During the service, a hospice chaplain from Marietta Hospice Amedisys will say a few words. Two vocalists will perform before a wreath is placed in the Muskingum River with bagpipes performed by Sara Chichester of Lowell to end the ceremony.
The environmentally friendly wreath created by Passiflora will include flowers donated by Passiflora, Wildroot Flower Co. and Aletha's Florist.
Easels displaying the photos were donated by St. John's Evangelical Church and the United Parcel Service store will be printing the photos and eulogies. Refreshments will be provided by Joe Momma's Kitchen.
With the businesses coming together to plan this ceremony, Sauls said it's just another example of how great the people of Marietta are.
"We've heard from so many people that feel like they were never given a moment to grieve properly. We hope this effort will allow them that moment and reinforce how loved they are with our community coming together to remember with them," she said.
Photos and eulogies can be sent to joemommaskitchenmtta@gmail.com or can be dropped off at 134 Gross Street Unit B in Marietta. The deadline for submissions is Friday.