TRENTON – On March 9, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed SJR82, which designates March 9th of each year as “COVID-19 Heroes Day” in New Jersey.
“From nurses and doctors to grocery store workers and law enforcement, countless essential workers have been working day and night to serve New Jerseyans during these trying times,” said Governor Murphy. “It is my honor to sign this bill recognizing the heroic efforts of those who have been serving on the front lines. These heroes have brought us to this moment where we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Too often, essential workers in this state go unseen and toil for years without being recognized for the tremendous, selfless service they provide to our state, and to its people,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
“Establishing March 9 as ‘COVID-19 Heroes Day’ is a way of saying thank you to those who have gone well beyond the call of duty, especially during the darkest days of the coronavirus pandemic, often putting their own health and safety on the line for the welfare of their fellow New Jerseyans. All of our essential workers are ‘heroes’ in every sense of the word, and deserve recognition for the work they have done, and continue to do for the greater good of our state.”
“Essential workers are undeniably the heroes of this pandemic,” said Assemblymembers Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Annette Chaparro, in a joint statement. “Childcare providers, food service and grocery store employees, transportation and postal workers, warehouse employees, first responders, healthcare professionals and all other frontline workers have all kept New Jersey running through an unprecedented crisis. Without them, where would we be? Every day, they have risked their health and safety in order to ensure the well-being of families and communities throughout our state. Designating a COVID-19 Heroes Day is a way for us to thank our essential workers and make New Jersey never forgets their hard work, dedication and heroism.”
“Where would New Jersey be without our COVID heroes,” said Cathy Bennett, President and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association. “Our Superheroes protect the health and well-being of Garden State residents when they need it most. Thank you to Gov. Murphy and the Legislature for ensuring that their selfless acts will be remembered for years to come.”
