Marching forward

Sunset lights up the sky in West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In March 2020, analyses about the growing challenges of the pandemic were everywhere. Our economy, schools, work, and travel came to a halt or went remote. Today, we’re not out of the woods, but one year after lockdowns took hold across the country, it’s a much different scene: We’re able to talk about growing points of progress. 

The $1.9 trillion U.S. relief bill is passed, well over 70% of Americans 75 and older are vaccinated, and three vaccines are being distributed.

In Vermont, the state Legislature is working on a fast-track spending bill for pandemic relief, and the push is on to return all schools to in-person learning quickly, but safely. The state opened vaccination appointments for teachers, school staff and child care providers as a group this week — a key step en route to full-time, in-person instruction. As of Friday, 1 in 4 Vermonters had received their first dose of vaccine. 

That all seemed a long way off, a year ago. Vermont had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 5. Vermont’s state of emergency went into effect the following week. Looking back during a recent press conference, Scott emphasized the great progress on vaccines in only one year. 

“When we had that first case, no one could have predicted, just 12 months later we’d already have three safe and effective vaccines rolling out to defend ourselves,” Scott said. 

As vaccine development was underway, we were also stepping up for each other, which officials in Vermont and elsewhere often acknowledged. During the holidays, Scott asked for examples of Vermonters who were selflessly helping their communities, and emails poured in from people highlighting their friends, co-workers and neighbors. Some communities began their own relief programs; the Woodstock community organized the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, which continues to help those in need. Vermont towns saw food bank donations soar, mask-making became a wartime effort, and people volunteered wherever they could to make a difference. 

Such stories exemplify the heart of Vermont, and reflect the community spirit that has sustained us. It is our guiding light to more progress. Creativity, ingenuity, and patience were seen here and in many other communities across the world. Those virtues are foundational, and they empower us to move forward through even the darkest times. Even then, there is always light, some goodness right around the corner to lift us up. Our love and compassion for each other are here to strengthen us, and they point the way to greener pastures ahead.

— Gareth Henderson