Governor: 'Strength and unity' have guided Vt.
The village of Woodstock, Vermont, is illuminated by holiday lights, a longtime tradition in the community. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
As Vermont tackles a recent surge in the pandemic, the state is also asking Vermonters to work together to brighten the holiday season, literally.
The state is urging people to add holiday decorations and lights to their homes and businesses in support of the new "Vermont Lights the Way" initiative, announced Friday. Everyone is invited to share pictures of their holiday displays online to brighten the social media landscape, using the hashtag #VTLightsTheWay.
The announcement came just after the Thanksgiving holiday, and Gov. Phil Scott has heard anecdotally that a number of families adhered to the state's rule to restrict gatherings to their own household, in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. At Friday's press conference, he acknowledged how much people's lives have changed amid the pandemic, and how Vermonters have stepped up to help each other.
"In Vermont, we met this challenge with the same strength and unity that has guided us through so many other challenges in our history," Scott said.
However, he noted that this week brought three more deaths in Vermont due to COVID-19. There are also concerns about the increasing number of cases in long-term care facilities; the state is increasing surveillance testing in those facilities and other health care settings.
The governor recognized all the steps Vermonters have taken so far.
"Vermonters have sacrificed to protect our families, friends and neighbors, by limiting the spread of the virus in order to keep one another as safe and as healthy as possible in these incredibly challenging times," Scott said.
He sought to encourage Vermonters, saying that, in hard times, this state has set an example for the country in the past.
"From the Civil War to civil rights, our brave little state has led the way for the nation," Scott said. "This time is no different, and as we find ourselves facing what we all hope will be a final surge, our example is needed now more than ever. That means paying attention to the (public health) guidance, in order to slow the spread of the virus, save lives and keep our health care system from being overwhelmed."
Going through a very different holiday season, the governor hoped the new holiday initiative would help provide some uplift.
"Let's get creative, to show the world that Vermonters are here for each other, that we care about one another, and that even through these dark and difficult times, Vermont lights the way."
He thanked the communities that were already lighting up their streets with decorations, and welcomed all who can do so, to get involved. At the same time, he sympathized with people on having to sacrifice some of their favorite traditions when they need them most.
"I know how hard it is. I know how hard it will continue to be, as we make our way through the holidays without the normal get-togethers and sense of closeness we all want," Scott said. "But with the recent news on vaccines, we now know there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this, and we can see there are brighter days ahead."
The good news is, we can work together to brighten the days we have right now, even when significant challenges remain. It's not only about taking practical steps to combat the virus itself, it's about working to sustain and enhance the humanity we all share. Today, a big part of that is brightening the holiday season however we can, because it's so true, our communities need some more of that love. Unifying around that effort is a powerful force for good in these times, one we all can share.
— Gareth Henderson
