[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 110 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING HAMDEN HEROES DAY 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2021

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, over the course of the last fifteen 
months, our communities and our constituents have faced the unique 
challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have ensured the 
biggest health and economic crisis our country has seen in a century. 
What has inspired me most as we have navigated this pandemic has been 
the unyielding fortitude of our communities and the commitment and 
dedication of our frontline workers. That is why I was so honored to 
have been invited to join Hamden Heroes Day where the community 
gathered to express its thanks and appreciation to the frontline 
workers who live in and/or work for the Town.
  Connecticut was hit harder than most as COVID-19 spread across New 
England before it reached many other parts of the country. Over, 8,000 
Connecticut residents died during this pandemic. Nearly 350,000 have 
been infected, many of whom are our frontline workers. This year, the 
Hamden Heroes Committee decided to pay tribute to the frontline workers 
in their community--our police, fire and emergency medical response 
personnel; our health department and public works employees; our 
teachers, nurses, and doctors; our gas station attendants, grocery 
workers, and convenience store workers; our certified nurse assistants 
and all those who provide care for those in the community who are 
older; our childcare providers who help struggling families to make 
ends meet; and our farmers and food distribution staff who literally 
are the ones putting food on our tables. Despite the risks, these 
frontline workers showed up and did their jobs while many of us worked 
comfortably from home.
  These past fifteen months have been extremely challenging, but their 
dedication to their jobs and the Hamden community never wavered. Every 
day, they got up and committed their time and talent to serve the 
people of Hamden. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They have my 
gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for all they do, and we are deeply 
grateful for all their sacrifices. Their selfless and courageous 
service helped make it possible for us to get through these tough 
times. For that, and so much more, we thank them.
  At the conclusion of the event, the Hamden Heroes Committee made a 
request of the elected officials that attended the event. They asked 
for the day to be declared ``Hamden Heroes Day'' and their elected 
leaders help spread the word to other communities in the hopes that 
they too will join in thanking the essential workers. It is my hope 
that by honoring Hamden Heroes Day, I can do some small part in 
encouraging communities across the Nation to come together as well.

                          ____________________