I’m not sure when the trend started, but around the country, all kinds of landmarks are equipped to serve as “temporary art installations” through the use of intentional lighting, of various colors.

Here in New York, the Empire State Building, for example, changes colors regularly to honor everything from religious and secular holidays (Easter, Valentine’s Day, Hanukah, and Christmas, etc.), sporting events, charities, and more.

As we all focus on the extraordinary bravery, dedication, and selflessness of our health care workers, there was a nationwide effort to light important locations, from one coast to the other, in blue. The UK’s Daily Mail newspaper prepared a beautiful slideshow that included, among others, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Javits Center, World Trade Center, Madison Square Garden, the Cuomo Bridge and the Vessel at Hudson Yards (New York); the Space Needle and T-Mobile Park (Seattle); Mercedes-Benz Superdome (Atlanta); Kennedy Center (Washington, DC); Staples Center, LA Convention Center, Music Center, Coit Tower, and City Hall (Los Angeles); Heinz Field (Pittsburgh); Bridgestone Arena, City Hall, and the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge (Nashville); United Center and Merchandise Mart (Chicago); Miami Gardens (Miami); City Hall and TD Garden (Boston); and M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore). I have shamelessly replicated these photos which you will see in the video below.

I’ve grown a little weary of all of the advertisements and commentaries about us “all being in this together,” particularly as certain Americans, with the encouragement of President Trump, have taken to the streets to demonstrate against governments orders to shelter in place. But, I do very much like this trend. There is something about seeing so many important locations, throughout the country, wrapped in blue that makes me feel there is some unity, after all and that folks earnestly appreciate the sacrifices of health care workers,first responders and public safety people.

This is my favorite “blue light special.”