The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury and the Federated Church in Edgartown announced Tuesday that they would ring their bells 40 times in remembrance of the 400,000 people who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

"We join churches and other religious, governmental, and civic organizations in towns and cities across the country in ringing our bell as part of a national moment of unified remembrance," Rev. Cathlin Baker, pastor of the West Tisbury church, wrote in an emailed announcement.

A simultaneous ceremony was scheduled for Washington, D.C.

"As we remember lives lost we will also recognize employees – police officers, firefighters, EMS, teachers, town hall staff, and many others – who have been serving for nearly a year in front-line or at-risk roles," Rev. Baker wrote.