Vigil held in Youngstown for those lost to COVID-19

To mark the one-year anniversary of COVID-19, the city of Youngstown hosted a vigil to remember those lost in the pandemic.

Most people who attended spoke on behalf of a loved one taken too soon by COVID-19 as their memories are never forgotten by our community.

Youngstown Police Cheif Carl Davis adding music for those sitting in mourning, holding posters of remembrance for family and friends.

Andrea and Adrian Gillam reflecting on the life of their Dad, long-time Youngstown councilman Artis Gillam.

"HE WAS ALWAYS ABOUT LIVING YOUR DREAMS AND SPEAKING YOUR MIND AND STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVED IN NO MATTER WHAT. DAD WAS SMALL JUST LIKE WE ARE BUT HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE," said Gillam.

Barb Perry talked about her husband Thom who had a love for music, animals and his faith. Within a week of Thom's passing Barb's coworker also died of COVID-19.

I HAVE NIGHTMARES FROM THE SERVICE BUT THIS NIGHTMARE I JUST WISH SOMEONE WOULD WAKE ME UP. SO I WORK AS A DOOR GREETER AT THE LIBERTY WALMART AND BELIEVE ME I TELL YOU TO PUT A MASK On," said Perry.

Kim Moses remembering her husband Michael after a month-long battle of COVID-19. The couple was very cautious of the virus.

"MY HUSBAND WAS VERY ATHLETIC HE WAS VERY COMPETITIVE HE IS AN AVID GOLFER. IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE THAT COVID IS REAL, YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED IT," said Moses.

The vigil comes as Ohio reports its highest number of COVID cases in a month.