US Secretary of Labor to honor essential workers of coronavirus pandemic as 2021 inductees into US Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor

WASHINGTON DC – To recognize their sacrifices and ceaseless efforts to protect our health and keep our country moving forward amid the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the induction of Essential Workers of the Coronavirus Pandemic into the department’s Hall of Honor.

Through so many difficult months, frontline workers have helped to provide safety, healthcare, education, food and groceries, delivery service and many other necessities, kept our nation strong and made its recovery possible.

“Amid the pandemic, our nation’s essential workers redefined what it truly means to show up for your neighbor,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “As a country, we have a new understanding and appreciation of the vital work and the service these people provide to us every single day. The Department of Labor will ensure that their sacrifice and commitment are never forgotten as the Essential Workers of the Coronavirus Pandemic become the newest inductees in our Hall of Honor.”

Established in 1988, the Department of Labor Hall of Honor recognizes Americans whose distinctive contributions have elevated working conditions, wages and overall quality of life for the nation’s families. The Hall of Honor exhibit includes portraits and brief biographies of a select group of inductees who include John L. Lewis, Frances Perkins, Walter Reuther, Cesar Chavez, the 9/11 Rescue Workers, Helen Keller, Bayard Rustin and Sen. Ted Kennedy. The Hall of Honor is located inside the North Plaza of the department’s Frances Perkins Building at 200 Constitution Ave NW in Washington, D.C.

In addition to their induction, the department is also inviting people across the nation to submit the names, stories and pictures of essential workers who have helped or inspired them during the pandemic.

“We can’t induct every essential worker by name, so we’re inviting everyone to tell us about workers they want to recognize,” Secretary Walsh continued. “We look forward to sharing these stories as part of our Hall of Honor induction celebration.”

Share names, photos and stories of essential workers who have helped or inspired you. The department will review submissions and incorporate them into online communications and Hall of Honor induction materials.