Frontline Workers Honored With Commemorative Display In Manhasset

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — A commemorative display honoring the efforts of frontline workers in healthcare and other essential fields during the COVID-19 pandemic was unveiled outside North Hempstead Town Hall in Manhasset on Thursday.

The installation of the display, which features the words “March 2020” boldly emblazoned on a plaque on a freestanding pedestal along with an excerpt about the pandemic, took place one year after the state initially declared a state of emergency due to the virus, according to a town news release.

North Hempstead is the first town on Long Island to “memorialize” the dedication made by frontline workers, and it was a way for officials to express appreciation for the workers who have “done so much to help protect the safety of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the display pays tribute to first responders, medical professionals, and essential employees, who served as the community’s backbone during “these incredibly trying times.”

“These courageous individuals continue to serve in many capacities and are simply people who get the job done every single day,” said Bosworth, who attended the unveiling in a socially distanced ceremony with other members of the town board. “They have all worked and come together when it counted the most.”

The unveiling will be aired as part of the “North Hempstead Strong: Reflections and Messages of Hope during COVID-19” series on North Hempstead TV, as well as on the town’s social media channels.

As part of the series, the town will be broadcasting interviews with frontline and essential workers, including: Dr. Suchismita Datta, NYU Langone Long Island; Lorraine Massillon, teacher at Drexel Avenue School in Westbury; Michelle Rott, customer service manager at Shop Rite in New Hyde Park and member of Local 338; Police Officer Robert Salerno, Nassau County Police Department; and Emilio Omar Santiago, porter and maintenance worker with 32BJ SEIU.

Bosworth said that town officials wanted to thank all of those who have kept the community going.

“We will have interviews with our frontline and essential workers and thank you messages from local students,” she said. “We hope our residents will take this opportunity to celebrate all of those who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe.“

The interviews will be aired on the town’s YouTube and social media pages, as well as North Hempstead TV. NHTV airs on channel 18 or 63 on Cablevision and channel 46 on Verizon FIOS and on demand at: www.mynhtv.com.