On behalf of the group that created the COVID-19 Tribute in Old Saybrook, I would like to thank everyone who supported our efforts and who showed up on a very rainy day to dedicate it on Oct. 29. The tribute is a permanent reminder of the challenges we all faced during the COVID pandemic and the heroes among us, who stepped forward to help all of us get through the most challenging health crisis in over a hundred years.

The tribute recognizes eight groups of citizens who played critical roles: healthcare professionals, first responders, emergency management, educators, essential frontline workers, service providers, scientists, and families and friends. The tribute also highlights the values demonstrated by those individuals and some background information about the pandemic for both the current and future generations.

We would also like to thank those who spoke at the dedication: Dr. Valencia Bagby-Young, Director of Health and Clinical Services for the CT Department of Developmental Services during the pandemic; State Senator Martha Marx, RN; Ann Whitall, hospice social worker; and Lisa Roman, library media specialist for Clinton Schools. We also appreciate the enthusiastic support of Dr. Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of Public Health for the State of Connecticut, and Michael Spera, Old Saybrook Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management.

The tribute, consisting of eight granite posts with text and a large plaque, may be viewed along the public sidewalk at 25 Old Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, just one block off Main Street.

Richard Carter

Old Saybrook