Throughout the past year, as we all collectively dealt with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we continually witnessed the bravery of many in our community. These men and women stepped selflessly to help others every single day. They have been the shining light that we all found strength in and that is why I am joining with my Senate Colleagues to create the Lighthouse Initiative to honor these Everyday Heroes.
This initiative, which will include my office as well as the offices of Senators Anthony Palumbo (1st Senate District), Alexis Weik (3rd Senate District) and Phil Boyle (4th Senate District), aims to recognize the unsung heroes who truly stood tall for our region over the past year plus. These are normal Long Islanders who answered the call when their fellow residents needed them.
Throughout the past year and more, these men and women were nothing short of heroic for all of our residents. But to many of these everyday heroes, they were simply doing their job or helping out their community.
Our brave doctors and nurses who put their lives in danger to help those who were sick.
Our men and women in blue who left their homes to protect our families.
Our teachers who were there every single day for our children in every conceivable way.
Our frontline workers who kept our community running throughout the crisis.
Our volunteers who filled in to make sure that our residents had what they needed.
And so many others who did whatever they could for our community at one of our darkest times.
These men and women did not do it for glory or recognition. In their minds, they did what they were expected to do in a time of crisis and that is what makes them a hero. Like a lighthouse for lost sailors, these unsung heroes were the light that allowed all of us to navigate through this difficult time.
They are shining examples that should forever be remembered by every single resident of our community. That is why it is so important that we let them know how much they are appreciated.
In addition to showing them our deepest gratitude, the Senate Lighthouse Initiative will allow their example to continue to inspire everyone in our community – both young and old.
To ensure that all who were there for our community are rightly acknowledged, nominations will be accepted without regard to job, title or service. The honoree can be from any walk of life and I urge everyone to nominate anyone in their life who deserves recognition whether they are family, friends, co-workers or complete strangers.
Nominations can be made by visiting my website at mattera.nysenate.gov and clicking on the Everyday Heroes link on the homepage. These men and women went above-and-beyond to help and we want to make sure they know we appreciate their efforts.
Thank you to all these Everyday Heroes for all they did and continue to do for all of us. Each one of you is truly the embodiment of the word community and we owe you the deepest of debts.
