NEW YORK — Ovations are on pause in the theaters and concert halls and stadiums of this city. But they haven’t ceased. They’ve just moved into the streets. Like clockwork, they happen, every evening at 7. Up and down Manhattan — and probably the Bronx and Staten Island, too — cheers ring out from apartment towers and brownstones, along with the sounds of rhythmic chants, applause and whistles. The denizens of this city of ordinarily high-decibel levels kick them up an ample notch at this hour for the doctors and nurses and technicians and administrators and custodians of the beleaguered ICUs and ERs. The new urban ritual, which is catching on in other cities, coincides with the shift break of hospital staffs, when medical workers emerge from the covid-19 war zone into the open air, to go home for a spell or smoke or eat or otherwise decompress…The tumultuous reception accorded the hospital workers, though, is no cry of despair. It is an impromptu curtain call, of multitudinous thank-yous, from a vast audience rooting for everyday heroes. It’s New Yorkers joining in a chorus, singing out in solidarity: “We are here.”
~ Peter Marks, from “The nightly ovation for hospital workers may be New York’s greatest performance” (Washington Post, April 6, 2020)
Live & Learn 
That’s so typical of New Yorkers. They rise to every occasion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do rally like no other…
LikeLike
Such a simple yet heart-filled beautiful thing
A friend of mine sent me a recording the other day… I was moved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So with you Dale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Course you are.. We are simpatico…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we are!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ain’t it grand? I sure think so. Glad I found you, DK
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwww
LikeLike
Its not just here … in the U.K. they are calling for people to step outside at 4pm and clap – to support the national health service workers and those on the front line. It does work better in cities… otherwise you might feel a bit of a pillock. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t know that Val. So great to have “this” spread virally worldwide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
these are beautiful acts of gratitude for those in the trenches
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they are Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tears…have seen videos of these homages in NYC, Atlanta and abroad. Profoundly moving to see these heroes and heroines acknowledged in this way. Hoping so fervently for their safe passage through this crisis…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they move me similarly Lori.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The nightly ovation also happens in our community and throughout the country. It always brings tears to my eyes. Your post also brings tears to my eyes. Happy tears on the goodness of humanity. Thank you for sharing, David.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes Erica, exactly the medicine we need today to rally around each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful remarks. We are all staying strong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes we are…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. Not crying!
LikeLiked by 1 person
awwwww….
LikeLike
This Saturday @ 7pm all of Chicago will be singing Lean On Me by Bill Withers out the windows. I’ll try to tape it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s beautiful how this action has rippled to communities around the world. Each wanting to show in the best way they can appreciation for those who are putting themselves in harm’s way for the sake of a better future for everyone else. Thank you for sharing, David!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So love this global wave!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Health care workers are at the front lines and getting the worst of this and still they soldier on. God Bless them. And New Yorkers do indeed rise up to the occasion when called upon to do so, and in magnificent fashion. God Bless them also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So agree!
LikeLike
There is such a beautiful show of unity and kindness displaying across the world right now. And Australia and New Zealand are smashing the curve! 👏🌈👏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great!
LikeLike
I love NY and New Yorkers…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In Spain, since the start of our lockdown by Royal Decree 4 weeks ago, people in cities, villages and rural locations have stood on their balconies and patios at 8:00 PM clapping in appreciation of those working to keep us safe and healthy. The pandemic has brought the world together as one community.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So great. Thanks for sharing Darlene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
this has been one of the few good things to come from the crisis; simply wonderful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So agree
LikeLiked by 2 people