By Cecily Jackson and Emily Gutierrez
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered all Maryland state flags to be flown at half-staff this weekend to honor the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and declared Saturday as Healthcare Heroes Day.
“Today, our state marks a solemn milestone – more than 1,000 Marylanders have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Hogan said in a press release. “I have ordered flags lowered to half-staff to commemorate their lives and to honor their memories. They will never be forgotten.”
Friday marked the annual Fallen Heroes Day and Hogan said that state flags will remain lowered through the weekend in remembrance of the men and women first responders who have died in the line of action and to celebrate the healthcare workers caring for the sick and vulnerable.
“This weekend, please join me in keeping our heroes and fallen in your hearts, and let us continue to pray for each other, for our state, and for our nation as we face this crisis together,” Hogan said.
Hogan on Friday issued an official proclamation designating Saturday as Healthcare Heroes Day in Maryland.
“Our health care workers, including our doctors, nurses, EMTS, and First Responders, have proven themselves to not just be essential workers but front-line heroes,” said Hogan on Wednesday at a news conference. “From managing a virus that can spread without symptoms, to dealing with shortages and unprotected equipment while saving people’s lives and often while forced to isolate from their loved ones.”
As far of the day’s celebration, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Flyovers in Baltimore will start at 11 a.m. and last about 15 minutes. Flyovers in Washington, D.C. and surrounding communities will start at 11:45 a.m. and last about 20 minutes.
Hogan added that a number of the state’s major landmarks, including Government House and the dome of the State House in Annapolis, as well as M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore City, will be lit up blue to honor the state’s dedicated front-line heroes.