New Renderings for Essential Workers Monument unveiled by Gov. Cuomo

Essential Worker Park to be Established in Battery Park City

Design to Honor All Essential Workers: The Circle of Heroes; Eternal Flame

You can view renderings of the park Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this morning unveiled renderings for the Essential Workers Monument. The Commission of labor leaders representing all essential workers have chosen a location in Battery Park City to install the monument. The Circle of Heroes design will represent the essential workers who served their communities throughout the pandemic, sacrificing so much in order to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe and supported. Construction of the Essential Workers Monument is due to be completed by Labor Day, September 6. Additionally, in tribute to our essential workers, Essential Worker Park will be established in Battery Park City.

"In the beginning of the pandemic when people were told to stay home, essential workers went into work day after day, making sure their fellow New Yorkers were safe, fed and cared for," Governor Cuomo said. "While we will never be able to fully repay our essential workers, we can honor and celebrate them with this monument that will stand forever as a tribute to all that they have done for New York in our greatest moment of need and beyond. These heroes continue to inspire us every day and we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice."

The location in Battery Park City is along the water, in view of the statue of liberty. This spot is easily accessible to New Yorkers and visitors in a highly trafficked part of the park.

The Circle of Heroes design is to be composed of 19 red maple trees symbolizing the essential workers that carried New York through the pandemic including: nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, transit workers, police officers, EMTS and paramedics, firefighters, correctional officers, store employees, National Guard, government employees, building service workers, utility and communications workers, delivery drivers, teachers, sanitation workers, construction and manufacturing workers, food service workers and hospitality workers. The monument will also feature an eternal flame as a symbol of New York State's everlasting gratitude for essential workers. This space will represent how all New Yorkers came together to support each other. Renderings of the Circle of Heroes design can be viewed here.

This week, ground was broken in the park to begin construction of the Essential Workers Monument. Construction is slated to be complete by Labor Day, September 6.

President, New York State AFL-CIO, Mario Cilento, said, "The commitment to service and community shown by our essential workers throughout the COVID-19 crisis was nothing short of inspiring. I thank Governor Cuomo for ensuring that their dedication is memorialized and forever remembered in New York. This monument will serve as a reminder of sacrifice, love for our neighbors and the importance of our essential workers."

President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council and President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, Gary LaBarbera, said, "Through the pandemic, essential workers showed their strengths and just how invaluable they are to our communities. Thank you, Governor Cuomo, for acknowledging the sacrifices of our workers with a memorial we can visit for generations to come. This space will be an incredible place to gather with loved ones to reflect on the unprecedented experience of COVID-19 and just how formidable we become when we band together."

In April, Governor Cuomo announced the formation of the Essential Workers Monument Advisory Committee. The committee met to advise on locations, design and installation of the Essential Workers Monument and was comprised of the following individuals:

  • Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO
  • Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council and President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York
  • Vincent Alvarez, President, New York City Central Labor Council
  • Stuart Appelbaum, President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union
  • Oren Barzilay, President, Uniformed EMT's, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors - FDNY
  • Kyle Bragg, President, 32BJ SEIU
  • Sam Fresina, President, NYS Professional Firefighters Association
  • Henry Garrido, Executive Director, DC 37
  • Thomas Gesualdi, President, Teamster's Joint Council 16
  • George Gresham, President, 1199 SEIU
  • Pat Kane, RN, Executive Director, New York State Nurses Association
  • Bonnie Litvack, MD, President, Medical Society of the State of New York
  • Rich Maroko, President, Hotel Trades Council
  • Harry Nespoli, President, Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association
  • Andrew Pallotta, President, New York State United Teachers
  • Michael Powers, President, New York State Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association
  • Major General Raymond F. Shields, Jr., Adjutant General of New York
  • James Shillito, Utility Workers of America Local 1-2
  • Wayne Spence, President, New York State Public Employees Federation
  • Mary Sullivan, President, CSEA Local 1000
  • Dennis Trainor, Vice President CWA District 1
  • Tony Utano, President, TWU Local 100
  • Richard Wells, President, Police Conference of New York State
C
Submitted by Carmel, NY

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next