This week, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was lit with 400 lights to honor and acknowledge the 400,000 lives lost in America to COVID-19.

But the reflecting pool ceremony -- hosted by then-incoming, now newly inaugurated President Joseph Biden -- is the most prominent effort so far to remember those who have died. UConn history professor Micki McElya was interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered to explain the historic significance of this event.

"This is an iconic vista of heroes and honor and of memorialization," says history professor Micki McElya, who wrote the book The Politics of Mourning: Death and Honor in Arlington National Cemetery. "It's impossible to consider that terrain without also thinking of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963."

The memorial, building upon prior localized efforts, represents the "realization of the work of a lot of people and the realization of the need to come together and honor those who've been lost, but also to reckon with those losses and what this means for this country," McElya says. January 19 – NPR

If you are a journalist covering the historic aspects of this occasion or other events taking place – then let our experts help with your stories. Professor McElya is an expert in the histories of women, gender, sexuality, and race in the U.S., with a focus on politics and memory. She’s available to speak with media regarding these topics – simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.