Dear Editor,

The world has certainly changed suddenly and quite dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are all doing the best we can to adjust to and deal with this new reality now facing us, especially with all of the major changes, worries, and stresses it has brought our way.

During these extraordinarily trying times, it seems essential to offer our deepest heartfelt thanks to all of those healthcare providers courageously serving on the front lines, who are putting themselves at risk in their heroic efforts to limit the human costs of this pandemic in terms of suffering and fatalities. And surely all of those working to support them and ensure they are provided with the necessary equipment and resources to do so also deserve our recognition and gratitude.

In addition, all those who are working everyday to hold society together and just keep things running as much as possible also deserve our recognition and sincere thanks. Among these, consider those keeping our grocery stores and pharmacies going (along with other stores providing needed goods), plus those truckers and others who are keeping the supply lines running. And those who are keeping our basic utilities and public services functioning day-to-day, our banks open, the mail flowing, and many of our restaurants open to provide take-out service. The list goes on and on.

And let’s not forget those who reach out to check on their family members and neighbors, offering help and support without even giving it a second thought, and who listen to the credible advice given by medical experts and do all they can to help reduce the spread (“flatten the curve”) of this pandemic by following the advice given in terms of social distancing and necessary hygiene practices.

This is when kindness, compassion, patience, humility, and intelligent decision-making based on science are priceless and absolutely crucial for the sake of us all. This is when it becomes clear that we truly are all in this together, and must come together to look out for and care for each other. This is when we must listen to the “better angels of our nature,” and clearly see that what unites us is indeed vastly greater than that which divides us.

This is when humanity in general, and America in particular, can and must rise to this challenge and shine. We can and must all do our part to lift up and support each other.

And may we all take a moment when the opportunity presents itself to offer a simple “thank you” to those we see doing so, thus helping to shine a light on and bring out the best in each other as we all strive to find our way through this most challenging and difficult of times together.

Respectfully submitted,

Dale E. Buonocore,

Warren