Humanist National Memorial Ceremony for the victims of the coronavirus

This is the humanist National Memorial Ceremony to commemorate the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, and to help those confined in lockdown and separated from their loved ones to confront and reckon with the grief, mourning, and anxiety so many of us have known these past three months

The ceremony is intended to offer an opportunity to reflect on what we have been and are still going through, pay tribute to those we have lost, and offer hope while celebrating our resilience. Millions of people in the UK each year draw comfort from humanist funerals and this ceremony has been scripted in that spirit. It is principally directed at humanists but we hope will give comfort to those of different beliefs and it is entirely inclusive in nature.

The National Memorial Ceremony is led by key workers in the funeral and care sectors, and supported by well-known humanists such as Alice Roberts, Joan Bakewell, Jim Al-Khalili, and Mark Gatiss.

Humanists are non-religious people who shape their own lives in the here and now, understanding the world through reason and science and living by a moral code based simply on empathy and compassion. Humanist ceremonies exist to meet the timeless human need to mark life’s turning points – such as deaths, births, and marriages – with an event involving others.

Even in socially distanced times, the essential human need for personal connection and to express and share grief remains undiminished. The National Memorial Ceremony is an attempt by humanists to help address this need among the non-religious community and the country at large.

[grahampeacock]

I'm an NHS chaplain (faith based): I'm looking forward to this. It is always good to see people of compassion and dignity joining together. Thank you.

[tonygarrett]

Not ashamed to admit that when the Humanist choir began to sing I fell apart. This was a very moving ceremony. Religion has a great deal to learn from Humanism. Thank you to all of you who contributed to this event.

[beales]

Just perfect. Everything I use to get from going to Church; community, music, time for reflection, sharing thoughts and ideas that I can actually get behind. More services please!

[munchybiker]

As an old soldier death is familiar, as are courage, selflessness and respect. Luck is why I am here when it runs out I hope something kind remains. Thank you Humanists.

[joannecooper]

Lovely. I am new to humanism but I feel connected to the values you explain. Thank you.

[rchardfrancs]

The choir's song stopped me in my tracks and allowed me to breath. Thank you so much.

[ReiverBlue]

Beautiful work by the choir, wonderful peeps!

[ericcrawford]

Beautiful, I don't have any spiritualist beliefs. I want to embrace what's left of my life for as long as. X

[georgerodger]

As a humanist funeral celebrant myself, I found this ceremony moving, uplifting and inspiring. As a human being, I found it deeply comforting and reassuring.

[yousuckwhy]

Remembering the dead, working for the living, and hoping for those to come.

[shooksvensen]

Thank you, Humanist UK, for doing this!

[johnchapman]

A .moment of reflection in a busy day. Thank you.

[yvonneritchie]

Thank you for helping me. I have not yet lost anyone close to me. But like so many live with the fear.

[Stickings]

Sorry I missed it on the initial transmission, and apologies if you think I am intruding, as I am a member of a church. However I still find this deeply moving and meaningful. As Tony Garrett below says "Religion has a great deal to learn from Humanism". I wish we could have joint ceremonies to share our common humanity.

[juliegibson]

Wonderful, moving humanist tribute to those we have lost and appreciation of those remaining, their care, compassion and contribution to our future. Thank you.

[nisbet]

This was exceptionally good. The words, singing and music all perfect. I am so pleased that I’m a part of Humanist U.K.

[lydney]

Thanks for all for the lovely uplifting words and music. Very moving

[lyngraham]

This was beautiful, moving, comforting and uplifting. Thankyou
Another comment from the north of Ireland!!

[MrsH]

Thank you for organising this Ceremony, giving time out & space to remember.

[DougAndBusta]

Uplifting. Thank you. I look forward to more such 'faith' events, for that is what they are. I think I've always been a Humanist but only recently joined. It's comforting to see such recognition of this way of of thinking.