July 5 is always an important date, it is the birthday of the NHS. But this year it’s extra special – it also marks the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day.
Over 70 years after the NHS was created, we found ourselves dealing with a global pandemic. NHS workers, along with a raft of key workers from the emergency services and local councils, as well as teachers, shop workers and volunteers, became the critical lifelines keeping our lives and the country going.
This is our chance to thank every single one of those frontline workers, whatever their profession, and to remember those who sadly lost their lives to Covid-19.
Throughout the day there will be two ways for you to mark the occasion and show both thanks and respect.
11am – two-minute silence
Although this a day for celebration, it’s important to remember those who worked to provide key services on the front line and lost their lives in the service of others.
Throughout the country, the silence will be followed by the playing of the Last Post and Reveille.
During the silence we are also encouraged to take some time to remember the heroic spirit of Sir Captain Tom Moore, an inspiration during these unprecedented times who raised more than £32 million in sponsorship for NHS Charities Together (as well as raising our spirits).
8pm – clapping our heroes
Opening our doors on Thursday evenings throughout lockdown we could hear our communities clapping to show their appreciation of NHS workers and carers.
On this first ever NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, let’s applaud all of those still saving lives and keeping essential services going.
Cllr David Bithell, lead member for health and adult social care, said: “This now annual event is a wonderful opportunity to show all those key workers who show up on the frontline everyday just how grateful we are. And holding it on what is, this year, the 73rd anniversary of the NHS gives us time to really appreciate the value of our health service.
“We have now lived through over a year of truly difficult times. I encourage everyone to take part in both of the events during the day to show their thanks and also take a moment to remember those who are sadly no longer with us.”
To find out more, visit the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day website.
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