From light shows to colorful balloon displays, U.S. cities are finding some great ways to toast local heroes
For those of us who are stuck at home, the least we can do is show our appreciation for the people keeping us safe right now. And that's why so many of us have taken up clapping or singing to give thanks to healthcare workers, first responders and others. Some American cities, too, have found really creative ways to let their appreciation be known. From chalk art and balloon installations to lit-up attractions and buildings and hearts made out of patrol cars, cities and residents are going out of their way to show a little love. Below, find some of our favorite displays of gratitude from across the United States. Looking for more inspiring photos? Check our tour of the Bay Area dining industry.
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Colorful balloon installations have taken over cities across the U.S. in an effort to cheer up its residents. But we especially love this one thanking healthcare workers in Orange County.
Not only is the western facade of the Washington National Cathedra lit blue each night, but the nave has also been cleared so the American Red Cross can hold blood drives inside.
New York City has done pretty much everything to salute its healthcare workers, including a nightly city-wide clap, various sing-alongs and even mowing a heart in Bryant Park. But the big guns came out on April 28th, when the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels did a joint flyby of the metro area to honor healthcare workers and first responders.
Police in Fort Myers saluted healthcare workers by using their patrol cruisers to form a heart outside Lee Memorial Hospital. In the middle of the heart, officers held letter signs that spells out "FMPD THANKS YOU."
Folks in Denver have found a way to thank workers and let out their frustrations. Every night at 8pm, they unleash their inner wolves en masse.
In Chicago, one of the largest and most flashy thank-yous comes courtesy of the "Solidarity at 8" celebrations every evening at 8pm in the South Loop neighborhood, where residents head out to their balconies brandishing flashlights, noisemakers and stereos blasting triumphant songs.
Miamians know that nothing sparks happiness more than grub, so local businesses are donating goodies to the fronline workers at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.
Every night from April 24 through May 2, the Empire State Building has dedicated its tower lights to a different first responder organization, shining in their representative colors to acknowledge their bravery and service.
[1/2] We’ll never stop shining for you.
— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) March 30, 2020
Starting tonight through the COVID-19 battle, our signature white lights will be replaced by the heartbeat of America with a white and red siren in the mast for heroic emergency workers on the front line of the fight. pic.twitter.com/OYkblLTRHN
Every night at 8pm residents in Silver Lake and Echo Park in L.A. cheer, clap, hit gongs and even play guitars to thank local healthcare workers.
Up your cultural game by checking out the works of essential museums.
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