The situation with COVID-19 is unlike anything any of us have seen before. It’s certainly something we haven’t lived in Arlington before. Our community, the country, and the entire world came to a stop.
During lockdown, however, not everyone was able to stay at home and stay safe.
Essential and front-line workers have been hard at work while putting themselves and their families at risk of exposure. They have lead the effort to treat and contain the virus while keeping our community taken care of—from stocking the grocery stores to tending gas stations to caring for the sick.
Across the country, these front-line workers are putting their own health on the line to make sure their friends, family, neighbors, and the rest of the country can come out of this situation. Calling them heroes would be an understatement.
Arlington frontline heroes
The City of Arlington has no shortage of heroes, and no shortage of appreciation for both its local heroes and those on the front lines across the country.
To show our support, the Dream sculpture in Downtown Arlington was lit up in blue for the first time on the night of April 15th. Just one day later, 45 American flags were set to fly on the Levitt Pavilion lawn. The display was named The Spirit Lives, and is still flying to show the support that local veterans are offering to these heroes taking the fight to the virus.
Jeff Williams, Mayor of Arlington, had the following to say:
“As Mayor of this kind and generous city, I speak for all residents when it comes to thanking the men and women on the front lines helping us defeat COVID-19. Our hospital workers, first responders, firefighters and law enforcement have always been heroes and they continue to step up and answer the call to keep our citizens healthy and safe. I’m proud to see the Arlington community honor them with this display. It’s who we are.”
Although this display of support certainly seemed to pop up overnight, it was very much a product of deliberate coordination and long-standing gratitude. Wanting to join in the showing of support of the front-line workers, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation reached out to 3Di Sign + Design to get the display lit up. The owner, Paul Fulks, made it his priority both to set up the display as well as to donate the labor and materials involved.
Truly, the support comes from every corner of Arlington. Fulks also had the following to add:
“As a small business owner and patron of Arlington, it was significant to show our support to those on the front lines; hospital staff, police, fire, and first responders. As a veteran, it hit home even more. Seeing the flags flying on the Levitt Pavilion lawn is a reminder of those that fought so hard, for the many freedoms and liberties we sometimes take for granted.”
Other signs of support popped up around the city as well. The Greater Arlington Chamber Veterans Business Council felt a drive to show some support, too. They set up flags from the Field of Honor in the shape of a cross. Clete McAlister, president of the Arlington Veterans Memorial Foundation, was the one with the idea. He has this to say:
“I served with heroes so I recognize them when I see them. The first responders and medical personnel working on our behalf now qualify and should be recognized for being the heroes they are.”
Support for these front-line heroes is being shown all across the City of Arlington, from family to family and business to business. In tough times such as these, this kind of support is what we need the most. Luckily, the people of Arlington really know how to give it.
“Although we are in the midst of challenging times, it’s been incredible to see our community come together to lift each other up,” said Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson. “Our community will come out of this stronger because of our awesome power to rally together. Together, we succeed.”
