Essential workers have been the city’s lifeline throughout the pandemic (and everyday), and now they are getting a well-deserved monument right in NYC.
Construction began earlier this week on the Essential Workers Monument ‘The Circle of Heroes’ coming to Battery Park City and Governor Andrew Cuomo just released the monument’s renderings.
With an expected completion date for Labor Day, September 6th, ‘The Circle of Heroes’ will stand as a symbol of all of “the essential workers who served their communities throughout the pandemic, sacrificing so much in order to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe and supported,” said a recent press release.
In addition to the monument, Battery Park City will establish an Essential Worker Park.
“In the beginning of the pandemic when people were told to stay home, essential workers went into work day after day, making sure their fellow New Yorkers were safe, fed and cared for,” shared Governor Cuomo. “While we will never be able to fully repay our essential workers, we can honor and celebrate them with this monument that will stand forever as a tribute to all that they have done for New York in our greatest moment of need and beyond. These heroes continue to inspire us every day and we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.”
The monument’s design will consist of 19 red maple trees to represent essential workers who have all made tremendous efforts to keep NYC functioning throughout the pandemic.
An eternal flame will join the maple trees “as a symbol of New York State’s everlasting gratitude for essential workers. This space will represent how all New Yorkers came together to support each other,” said a press release.
featured image source: Rendering from NY.gov