Tribe joins in national COVID memorial lighting

This article appeared in the February 2021 edition of the Chickasaw Times

At 4:30 p.m., January 19, the Chickasaw Nation illuminated many of its buildings in recognition of the national COVID-19 Memorial event.

Indoor and outdoor lighting remained on throughout the night to honor more than 398,000 Americans who lost their lives to COVID-19.

The Presidential Inauguration Committee hosted this national moment of unity and remembrance to honor the lives lost to COVID-19 in cities, towns and rural communities across the country.

“We are joining with Chickasaws, Oklahomans and Americans across the nation to remember lives lost, honor front line workers and grieve with those who have lost loved ones,” Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “Taking part in this national memorial event reminds us that we must come together locally and nationally to contain the virus and keep our family, friends and neighbors safe.”

A Washington, D.C. ceremony featured a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to memorialize American lives lost.

All tribal employees and citizens were encouraged to drive with their vehicle headlights on beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Chickasaw Nation community radio station KCNP used its outdoor sound system to ring bells across Ada from atop the McSwain Theatre beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Chickasaw Nation SCORE radio in Ada aired the ringing of bells on all its stations at the same time. SCORE stations include KADA Cool 99.3 FM/1230 AM; KTLS Boss FM 106.5; KXFC 105.5 FM The X-Factor; KYKC 100.1 FM Country Connection; and Pirate Radio 102.3 FM.