Honoring our
2020 was particularly tough on professionals who are typically not considered as heroes . Rarely do grocery store employees consider themselves heroes , but during an infectious health crisis , showing up for work every day in close proximity to large numbers of people at the risk of their own health , is heroic . This year we are proud to recognize the everyday heroes who walk among us throughout our community . We are celebrating three key professional groups as Freedom Fest ’ s 146th Year Grand Marshalls !
Clinical Care Teams
Teachers
This past year medical teams at hospitals , clinics , and nursing homes were called upon to not only provide medical care , but to be the only human connection patients had during quarantine lockdowns . They sat with patients who were scared , lonely , or hurting , and when medicine was not enough , they shared their empathy and their presence . Working long hours , under constant pressure , made even traditionally easy clinical jobs ones fi lled with high pressure and emotional intensity .
Not only did teachers have to learn new technology , but they were then expected to teach students and parents how to use that same technology . They then had to change their entire lesson plans and teaching methodology to accommodate home learning and hybrid learning . As if that wasn ’ t enough , they had to make sure that students were getting the help they needed and not falling behind . All year long , they worked nights and weekends to stay one step ahead of their students .
Food Service Employees
Most of us don ’ t think twice about the person stocking shelves in a store or the laborers on the line cleaning poultry . Yet , during a pandemic , being in close contact outside a bubble was dangerous . Countless grocery store workers and food preparation teams ( farmers , butchers , and poultry workers ) woke up every day to work in close quarters with limited protective equipment . Because of them we had food to put on the table for our families . To return to work every day while worried about their health and the health of those at home is heroic .
These are just three of the groups of people we will honor as the Grand Marshals of the 2021 Honor our Heroes July 4th Parade . When you see them go by , please give them a great big cheer and thank them for all that they have done , and all of those they represent who did this and so much more .
26 HONORING OUR HEROES Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2021