By K. David Weidner, Ph.D., Executive Director
In many ways, James Taylor’s song, “Shed a Little Light,” reminds me of Provincetown. The lyrics ask that we recognize the ties of hope and love between us – shared desires like building a free world – messages core to our community. Now, when I hear the lines, “we are bound together by the task that stands before us” and “there is a passage through the darkness and the mist,” the song really resonates with me.
One benefit of having a tower rising 350 feet above sea level is we can shed a little light on topics and people that need and deserve recognition. That is why in May, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (PMPM) is joining iconic landmarks across the globe in a lighting tribute to those on the front lines of this pandemic; the essential workers putting themselves at risk to help guide us to safety.
Much of the monument is bathed in red light, symbolizing workers from healthcare admins to nurses to doctors, the lifeblood of our health system.
The topo loggia, the crown of the monument, is blue, a nod to first responders like paramedics, firefighters, police and others concerned with public safety.
Together, the red and blue further honors the spectrum of those working tirelessly to keep us in food, supplies and essential services – grocery clerks to mail carriers – truly the heartbeat of America. We want the light to shine for them.
The Pilgrim Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S., each stone used is the thickness of the wall. Our essential workers are answering a tall order and proving even stronger. To those in our Provincetown community, local and beyond – whether you’re managing a fire crew or making sure the shelves are stocked – thank you.
We’ll be looking up and remembering the hope and light that you shed, too.
Be safe.
Photos taken by Thomas Trykowski.