A monument honoring the more than 1,200 victims and over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 in Allen County will be unveiled at 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.

The 5-foot black granite monument surrounded by four curved black granite benches serves as a memorial to the victims of COVID-19, a special project brought together by Lindenwood Cemetery and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.

Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St., is a provider in the Dignity Memorial Network.

“We wanted a place the entire community could come to reflect and remember the loved ones lost to COVID,” said Leah Hadashi, office manager at Lindenwood. “We want this memorial to serve as a peaceful place where people heal and honor the memories of loved ones.”

Dr. Thomas Gutwein, Allen County health commissioner, will deliver a welcome address, followed by Doug Shaw, a Lindenwood celebrant. City Councilman Tom Didier will also sing. Family and Friends will have the opportunity to stop by the dedication station, where they can memorialize loved ones by writing messages on flags that will be placed alongside the black granite marker.

With support from the Community Foundation, the monument was placed in the South Terrace area of the cemetery.

Members of the media are invited to attend the memorial event.