Oral History Interview with Jean Lameier & Larry Lameier

Partial Transcript: --Um--so, my first question is why did you all put up the green light?

Segment Synopsis: The Lameiers put up their green light because they wanted to show respect for the people who had died from contracting COVID-19. The couple also liked how Governor Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to put out a green light as a way to bring people together. For the Lameiers, they view the green lights as a way for Governor Beshear to get all Kentuckians to be aware of how the pandemic is affecting people who have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 disease. Additionally, the Lameiers respect Governor Beshear's leadership during the pandemic. Larry Lameier has had experience with other epidemics, contracting polio as a child. Larry Lameier says that the green lights gave him hope.

Keywords: Andy Beshear

Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-; COVID-19 (Disease); Frankfort (Ky.); Kentucky; Kentuckians; Respect; Death; Governors; Grief

Partial Transcript: --What--um--what impact has COVID had on you and or your family?

Segment Synopsis: The Lameiers say that some of their friendships have been different since the pandemic. The couple have had disagreements with friends over how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted, as well as some friends who do not believe that the COVID-19 disease exists. The Lameiers explain that they have compromised and decided not to discuss the COVID-19 disease around this group of friends. Larry Lameier shares that one of his friends from northern Kentucky had contracted COVID-19 in April of 2020 and was hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The fact that this friend was a university professor indicated the seriousness of the disease to Larry Lameier. Initially, the Lameiers decided to use a switch lantern from a railroad track to display their green light but found that the light was too bright. Jean Lameier then decided to use the air freshener light from an essential oils diffuser to display their green light. Lameier liked the idea of using what she already had at home and putting it to good use.

Keywords: Andy Beshear; Disease transmission; Family; Air fresheners; Essential oils

Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease); COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-; Kentucky; Kentuckians; Frankfort (Ky.); Health; Governors--Kentucky; Friendship; Hospitals; Intensive care units; Professors; Humidifiers; Lanterns; Railroad; Brightness perception