Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, and Hertsmere Borough Council paid a special tribute to key workers today.
As part the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, services and ceremonies have taken place nationwide to recognise those who have worked so hard over the pandemic.
It is also an opportunity to remember those who have been lost over the last year and the date of July 5 was chosen as it marks the anniversary the NHS was founded in 1948.
In Watford, mayor Peter Taylor and council chairman Bilqees Mauthoor raised the NHS Day flat at 10 before holding a remembrance service at 10.45am.
Cllr Mauthoor also performed a poem of her experience as a clinical nurse manager during the pandemic.
Mr Taylor said: "NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day is an important moment to mark the service and sacrifice of the NHS and health workers, as well the amazing community spirit of the town to come together to help each other."
In Rickmansworth, Three Rivers District Council leader Sarah Nelmes and two police officers raised a flag before council staff observed a two minute silence at 11am.
Cllr Nelmes said: "On behalf of everyone in Three Rivers, I want to say a massive thank you.
"The past 15 months have been a relentlessly difficult time. The extraordinary dedication and bravery of so many people has been truly inspirational: from doctors, nurses, paramedics and care workers, to all those in frontline services including our own bin crews, the police, fire service, teachers and delivery services.
"We will never forget all those who so sadly lost their lives during the pandemic while trying to protect others."
Staff from Hertsmere Borough Council are among those to be recognised for their contribution to maintaining essential services during the pandemic.
The street scene team were presented with a certificate of grateful recognition by the council’s managing director, Sajida Bijle, and executive director, Peter Geraghty, at their depot in Potters Bar.
The crew, which includes all those who are based in and out of the depot, worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to maintain waste collections, clean roads, empty litter bins, collect fly-tips, keep parks clean and safe, and treat infestations.
Meanwhile in Borehamwood, Hertsmere's mayor Anne Swerling was joined by Cllr Jeremy Newmark and representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire University Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to raise a flag outside the civic offices.
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