UNO Carillon Bells to Ring in Remembrance of COVID-19 Victims

The bells of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's (UNO) carillon will ring out for 10 minutes on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 A.M. to honor those who have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNO will be one of many institutions, nationwide, participating in a "Time of Remembrance" for coronavirus victims, which is being organized by Lincoln native Kathleen Allan in partnership with Washington D.C. television producer Ashley Bernardi and Baltimore-based pianist Mark Markham.

"With more than 1 million deaths worldwide and more than 500 of those, alone, coming from our state, it is appropriate that we take the this time to acknowledge and mourn those whom we've lost due to this pandemic," UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said. "Our Maverick community stands united in our commitment to crush the COVID-19 virus transmission curve and do everything we can to honor those who have lost the battle with COVID-19 and the families that have been impacted."

The organizers of the event are asking people across the country to engage in a moment of silence during the 10-minute period that bells are ringing.

"I just think that people are so isolated and so upset," Allan told the Omaha World-Herald. "This is something we can join together to do, to try and extend compassion to these families."

The songs that will be played during the event include "I Love You Truly," "Autumn Leaves," and
"Clair de Lune."

UNO's carillon is located inside the Henningson Memorial Campanile on the university's Dodge Campus. Made up of 47 bronze bells weighing a combined 24,468 lbs. (nearly 2.5 tons), the iconic Omaha landmark was constructed in 1989 in memory of the parents and sister of longtime UNO supporter Margre Henningson-Durham.

Those interested in being on campus Saturday, Oct. 10, for the "Time of Remembrance" event are asked to follow campus guidelines, which include 6-foot physical distancing, use of a face covering, and pre-screening for COVID-19 symptoms with the 1-Check UNO app.