Heroes are all around us.

You see them everywhere. At the top of the list are our doctors, nurses and other health professionals who go to work to take care of COVID-19 patients as well as those with other diseases and illnesses.

These health professionals do not always have the protective equipment they need to stay safe, yet they still report for work. Often, they offer comfort and solace to the dying who cannot be surrounded by family due to hospital visiting restrictions.

Heroes are patrolling our streets in sheriff’s vehicles and responding to fires and medical calls in fire trucks and ambulances, providing services that are essential to our well-being.

Heroes were on display in our communities last week as teachers paraded through our towns while students waved. These teachers were not trained in how to continue education when schools are closed and students are restricted to their homes, yet they are coming up with innovative ways to reach students and continue their learning.

The biggest lesson these teachers provide is making do with what is available, to make the best of a bad situation. These lessons, more so than the math and reading lessons, will stick with students in the long term.

Heroes are in our grocery stores and convenience stores. You see them checking out customers at JW’s and Freeman’s. You see them stocking shelves, so residents have what they need.

And you see heroes staying at home, heeding the advice of public health officials who tell us that the best way to stop this horrible disease is to stay home, wash your hands and keep a safe distance from other people.

Yes, heroes are everywhere. Even in our darkest days, they shine like a light. They offer hope in what seems like a hopeless situation. They help their neighbors and strangers.

Our heroes are a reminder that as bleak as things seem now – and no doubt things will get worse – we will persevere. We will continue.

Thanks to all of our heroes.