Tonight we hope our readers come together to take part in an event to remember those who have died in the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, it was announced Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist are marking the one-year anniversary of the first cases of COVID-19 being diagnosed in Michigan by asking all Michiganders to turn on the lights outside of their homes from 8-9 p.m. today in remembrance of the people we have lost.

In a release from her office, Gov. Whitmer said: “We’ve had a difficult year and lost so many fellow Michiganders. On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I urge everyone to turn on their porch lights for an hour, so that we can remember those we’ve lost and remind ourselves that even in times of darkness, we’re in this together. As we mark this occasion, we also look towards the light at the end of the tunnel. We have three safe, effective vaccines, all miracles of science, that will help protect you, your family, and others from COVID and help us get our country and the economy back to normal.”

In the year since the first cases of COVID were diagnosed much has happened in Michigan and in our nation in the political arena.

We are requesting that politics be put aside today and all residents of the state turn their outside lights on in honor of those who are no longer with us.

Flags will also be lowered to half-staff today in remembrance of COVID casualties and then through Saturday in honor of longtime Michigan Secretary of State Frank Kelley has previously announced. Kelley passed away over the weekend.

We think the porch light suggestion is best summed up in this quote from Lt. Gov. Gilchrist: “It’s been one year since COVID-19 was found in Michigan, and as a result, this virus has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, but despite its darkness, we have seen the brightest light shine in the determined resolve of each other during these trying times.

“The simple act of turning on our lights is a way to remember and honor those we have lost and show that we’re all in this together and we will emerge from this crisis, together.”

We hope all homes in the state have that light on tonight.