One Moment, Please… Honoring essential workers beyond the pandemic

Publisher

Fillmore County Journal 

jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com

On August 15, 2020, Bill Funk (owner of Bill Funk Trucking in Chatfield, Minn.) led a convoy of truck from town to town: Canton, Harmony, Preston, Ostrander, Grand Meadow, Spring Valley, Wykoff, Fountain, Chatfield, Eyota, and ended at St. Charles.

It was a great success, and even raised over $3,000 that was donated to the elderly to help pay for prescriptions.

In 2021, the convoy reconvened under the leadership of Bill Funk again.  This time, it was on June 12, again starting in Canton.

I’m glad to see this event continue.  Our essential workers continued to serve people all throughout the entire pandemic.  Truckers kept on trucking.  They delivered goods to stores so consumers could keep their shelves stocked with necessities.  The workers in grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and liquor stores kept up with the demand, as well.  And, of course, those working in the medical field or any emergency response capacity.  Farmers, mechanics, bank tellers — the list goes on and on.  All essential.

While the media reports continued to present a daily status update of the virus, essential workers adapted and found new ways to serve customers.  They helped us get through the pandemic.

And, they will continue to be there for us.  That’s what they do every day.

Last year, when Bill Funk spearheaded the convoy, I thought that was a great idea because it brought people together.  This year, the essential worker convoy felt a little different — in a good way.

In contrast, last year people were wearing masks on a more regular basis, and the threat of the virus had people on high alert.  This year’s event came long after Governor Walz’ mask mandate had been dropped in mid-May.  We are starting to get back to a sense of normalcy.

So, to me, Bill Funk’s convoy of 2021 was also a celebration of where we are today compared to nearly a year ago.  It almost feels like a celebration of freedom.  Thanks to Bill Funk and the rest of the convoy for taking a victory lap for all of us.