Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan Announce a “United in Thanks” March for Essential Workers on August 1st

Brooklyn, NY - State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan announced today that they will hold a “United in Thanks” March in support of essential workers on August 1st at 1 p.m. in Bay Ridge. Participants will meet at the flag pole on Shore Road and 80th Street and march down the promenade. At 2 p.m., there will be a vigil on the pier to commemorate essential workers and others lost to COVID-19. 

Event partners include AAANY, Bay Ridge Cares, Chinese-American Planning Council, NIA Community Services Network, and United Chinese Association, with more partners to be announced. 

The march is family friendly and social distancing/wearing of masks will be required. Masks, sanitizer and signs will be handed out at the event.

“Our essential workers brought us through the devastation of COVID, even as hundreds lost their lives. One way to begin to move forward is to unite as a neighborhood to thank those who powered our city through dark days and commemorate those we lost. I hope this helps our community continue to heal from the trauma as we honor the brave essential workers who saved lives throughout this pandemic,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes.

“COVID-19 was an unprecedented challenge that caused many of us to suffer enormous losses – whether loss of loved ones, loss of income, or loss of health. But this crisis also made clear what we can accomplish when we come together and focus on a common goal through shared sacrifice. It is time to acknowledge our extraordinary accomplishments and show appreciation for our essential workers who sacrificed their own health to keep us safe. From our hospitals to our grocery stores, from our bus drivers to our sanitation workers, from our teachers to our food delivery workers, from our building cleaners to our first responders. It's because of them that our city is still moving. Let’s show them how much we appreciate how they stepped up for us, no questions asked,” said Councilman Justin Brannan.

Senator Gounardes is also planning a “United in Thanks” march in Marine Park on August 2nd in partnership with Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, Councilman Alan Maisel, Marine Park Civic, Marine Park Alliance, Gerritsen Beach Property Owners, Gerritsen Beach Cares and JCC of Marine Park.