Jefferson Parish unveiled its new $3.6 million COVID-19 Memorial Park on Thursday morning in Marrero to honor the roughly 1,400 residents whose lives were claimed by the virus during the pandemic.

The memorial, on the Westbank Expressway across from the Walkertown bus terminal, resembles that of a miniature coliseum from its exterior, while the inside showcases a wall of black granite tiles and an engraved prayer by Parish Council member Byron Lee, who spearheaded the project, along with benches and a fountain in its center.

Outside the memorial, a concrete walking path snakes through a grass field and two covered picnic areas.

The memorial does not include any names of COVID-19 victims yet, as the parish is still collecting those, but plans to add them next month.

"Bottom line is that

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