Reflections On The 5-Year Anniversary Of The Pandemic

  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025

This month, it was five years ago that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. While we may disagree on the origin of the virus, protective measures taken, and safety of the vaccines, there is no question the impact the pandemic had on our society from which we are still recovering. I recall traveling out of the country in early March 2020 and finding it peculiar that people were wearing masks at the airport – little did I know what would transpire in the coming weeks to months.

At this 5-year anniversary, I would like to thank those individuals who worked tirelessly on the frontlines of COVID-19 in local public health, hospitals and clinics, pharmacies, nursing homes, schools, workplaces, emergency services and other organizations. Many of our residents worked around the clock for months to help others. Teachers made extraordinary adjustments to keep educating our children remotely. The health department operated a COVID hotline and offered testing and vaccines. Healthcare providers risked their lives to save others, often without the protective equipment they needed. Custodial staff continued to show up and clean and sanitize facilities to make them safe for others.

In the past two weeks, I have been reminded of this disease as my father was hospitalized twice with COVID and its severe complications. While he is on the mend, I recognize that many have lost their lives, and it is important that we remember what we have gone through so that we can learn from it and continue to heal.

Dawn M. Ford

Opinion
Antisemitic? Racist? Maybe Not
  • 4/29/2025

Last Christmas my wife gave me a copy of The Complete Jewish Study Bible by Stern and Rubin. It’s useful, but in the study notes the editor repeatedly claims our English Bible translations are ... more

Navigating Complex Education Legislation In Tennessee
  • 4/29/2025

Education policies can be like a game of Jenga: one wrong move can cause the whole system to fall apart. The challenge is not just in the details of the policies but also in how policymakers ... more

Senator Blackburn: On Facebook, A Black Market For Illegal Aliens Is Growing
Senator Blackburn: On Facebook, A Black Market For Illegal Aliens Is Growing
  • 4/28/2025

In just his first 100 days in office, President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the southern border after the Biden-Harris administration allowed more than 10 million illegal aliens ... more