FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and the First Lady for a memorial flag ceremony on the Capitol grounds to commemorate the more than 3,300 Kentuckians lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every flag you see out here today represents a real Kentuckian. One who is loved by their families and friends who meant something to the communities they lived in,” Beshear said.

Beshear said the flag he placed was in honor of front-line health care workers lost to COVID-19, including Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, a physical and infectious disease specialist in Bowing Green who was just 62 when she died in early September of last year.

The First Lady’s flag honored every parent, child, and family member who has lost a loved one to the virus, including the Rev. Robert “Bob” Duggan — a husband, dad, grandad and longtime Presbyterian and United Methodist minister who was 81 when he did of COVID-19.

Lt. Gov. Coleman placed her flag in honor of educators lost to COVID-19.

The governor stressed that despite the virus’ dark toll, Kentucky has fared far better than most states due to decisive action and the compassion and sacrifices of people across Kentucky. Beshear said the best way to honor those we have lost is to protect others.

“Lets commit to defeating this thing. Let's commit to not losing more lives than we have to get there. Let's commit when we are done with this of being better people," Beshear said.