This June all Town of Dartmouth flags will be flown at half staff for Covid-19 Remembrance Month, the Select Board decided at a May 24 meeting.

Select Board Chair Shawn McDonald brought the idea before the board, noting that other communities “throughout the nation here and there” have made similar moves.

“One of the things that I was curious about and didn’t seem to be reported was the number of our fellow townspeople who have succumbed to this virus during the pandemic,” he noted.

The town reported that as of December 11, 2020, 55 residents had died from the viral illness, but stopped reporting the number of deaths thereafter.

It is unclear how many residents died during the peak of the pandemic in January.

McDonald attributed the change to the state taking control of Covid-related reporting. 

“I guess the numbers were not kept on a weekly basis,” he noted. “Since then, the number I’m sure has grown.”

McDonald proposed a proclamation that June 2021 be known as Covid-19 Month of Remembrance in Dartmouth.

As more than 580,000 Americans and more than 17,500 Massachusetts residents — including Dartmouth citizens — have lost their lives due to a “catastrophic” virus, the proclamation reads, “it is important to set aside time to reflect on this devastation Covid-19 has caused.”

“The people of the Town of Dartmouth join in honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost to Covid-19 and express our sympathy and support to those suffering from this worldwide pandemic,” it continues. “We will never forget those whom we have lost.”

The proclamation also orders that all Town of Dartmouth flags be lowered and flown at half staff for the entire month of June.

“I think it’s something that we should do,” McDonald said at the meeting. “We’re clearly coming out of this slowly. Things are starting to open up...I think we need to pause and reflect on neighbors and loved ones and people in our community.”

“Beautifully written, well thought out,” said board Vice Chair David Tatelbaum, who suggested that the town get the word out so residents aren’t confused when they see flags flying at half staff.

The board unanimously approved the measure.