Images of NYC's COVID-19 dead projected onto Brooklyn Bridge

Images of New Yorkers who have died of COVID-19 are projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday night during a "Day of Remembrance," in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

March 15 (UPI) -- New York City paid tribute on Sunday night to tens of thousands of people who have died of COVID-19 in the city over the past year, by projecting their images onto the Brooklyn Bridge.

The images changed throughout the night on the famous bridge, which spans the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Since the coronavirus arrived a year ago, more than 30,000 people have died in the city.

Commemorative events were held at several locations and candles were lit at fountains.

"Shoulder to shoulder, one for another, we will bring our city back together," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement Sunday.

"The people walking around today, they carry the hearts of those we've lost with them. The moms, the dads, the grandparents, all that was great about them, all that was warm, their souls continue on in their sons and daughters and then their grandchildren."

New York City councilor Corey Johnson said the city has found some success lately in lowering transmission rates, but there are still too many falling ill.

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"Our city suffered so much in a short time, but we also witnessed the best of humanity by front-line workers who risked their lives daily to save others," he said in a statement.

"I'm confident that together we can help New York recover ... and come back even stronger."

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said the city's losses have been "staggering," but promised that state and federal leaders will renew their commitment to providing families with "resources they need to begin to heal."