Thankyou Health Care Workers, First Responders and Frontline Workers.

John Maxwell Evans wrote this epitaph for fallen soldiers in World War I. Now, a century after the previous truly global pandemic, and destroyer of far more lives than the war itself, this message has never been so relevant. Sars-Cov-2, the virus responsible for the syndrome Covid-19, has in a matter of months transformed our world.  

Whilst tragedy seems to assail us from every corner, the enormous courage and dedication shown by so many, from the young family facing unemployment and isolation, to older people putting themselves at great risk by continuing to care for those in their communities, to teachers facing unprecedented demands on their skills and professionalism, to the front-line emergency teams fighting to save those confronting a sudden, deadly illness like no other.  

Tragically, not all can be saved. Some have likened the pandemic to war, but war it is not, despite the horrors it can inflict. The enemy is a common one, and in this instance humanity is united in fighting it together,  with true bravery being displayed worldwide. All essential service workers – doctors, nurses, scientists, paramedics, police, fire and other emergency services, cleaners, teachers, transport and supermarket workers – continue to look after their communities, even at grave personal risk to themselves, including the threat and reality of their own deaths. So many front-line workers across the world at this perilous time are giving their today for our tomorrow.  

To honour them, this Cherry Blossom symbol has been created to honour and pay tribute to Shree Vishna Rasiah, a dear friend and healthcare worker who himself died of Covid-19. The Cherry Blossom was his favourite spring flower, the cherry tree needing careful nurturing to come into full bloom each spring. The cherry blossom’s fragile beauty reminds us of the fragility and preciousness of life, nurtured by the dedication of the frontline worker, its blooming each spring reminiscent of life renewed.  

Therefore we hope this image will become a symbol of remembrance to all those who have lost their lives helping others in the fight against this disease.  We only ask that in its reproduction, it is never used for profit, but rather passed on in charity.  

To obtain a free Limited Licence copy for not-for-profit use only, email intheserviceofhumanity@gmail.com.