It’s been four years since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kentucky.On Wednesday at the Capitol, state leaders reflected on that difficult time and honored the thousands of Kentuckians who died from the virus with a commemorative ceremony. “COVID has been the fight our lifetime,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Its dark shadow touched every life, sparing no one.”The pandemic brought uncertainty and tragedy, with nearly 20,000 Kentuckians dying from the virus. It's been years since the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the commonwealth, but for many, 2020 was a moment when time stood still.“The game that COVID was trying to play with me, a game of death, it lost, but I won with life,” said Leroy Mitchell, a COVID-19 survivor.Mitchell says it felt like his life-threatening battle with the virus was just yesterday, with a lengthy hospital stay and noticeable weight loss.He thanks the courageous frontline workers, his wife, and his faith for saving him.“I don't think, I know I wouldn't be here if there wasn't a God in heaven looking over me,” Mitchell said.Also, during that difficult time, Kentuckians looked after one another. During the COVID-19 ceremony at the Capitol Grounds the governor and Kentucky commissioner for Public Health, Steven Stack, reflected on that display of love, while remembering the lives lost.“These are losses that have devastated families and communities, but I believe this time has not been and will not be defined by the grief and the loss alone,” Beshear said. Among those honored was former Team Kentucky ASL interpreter, Virginia Moore, who died from virus complications last year.Her partner spoke, asking that the spirit and memory of Virginia and others be a roadmap of kindness and togetherness for the future of the commonwealth.Beshear highlighted the COVID-19 Memorial on the Capitol Grounds titled “United We Stand. Divided We Fall.” He also proclaimed March 6, 2024, as “A Day of Compassion” in the commonwealth, asking Kentuckians to light up their homes and businesses green.