“We haven’t seen anything like 2020,” Dan Santon, of Santon Electric on Southern Blvd. in Boardman said last week.
      Three years ago he was planning to honor police and fire personnel with a respite area and flagpole at the company headquarters.
      “Then the pandemic hit, and we thought it would be best to memorialize not only police and firemen, but also our military personnel, health care workers and all essential workers who have helped-out during the pandemic,” Santon said.
      On Thurs., Dec. 31, brief dedication ceremonies were held at 7870 Southern Blvd. where Santon has erected a flagpole graced with a plaque recognizing the efforts of many who have provided aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      “This special area was created to honor our safety forces, health care workers and all essential workers for their heroic acts of courage during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” reads the plaque.
      In honoring those who have helped others during the pandemic, Mr. Santon noted “When COVID-19 hit, our lives changed drastically. This memorial was created for all of you and what you do everyday. This is a time in our history that should never be forgotten.”
      His remarks were followed by comments from Jan Brown, of Tanglewood Dr., national commander of the AMVETS.
      “Dan Santon had the idea a few years ago to add a flag pole to his business location to honor police and fire personnel who are first responders in times of need. As the pandemic developed, Mr. Santon thought he should honor all persons who respond in times of crisis, including ambulance and medical personnel.
      “In researching the 1918 pandemic that affected the Mahoning Valley, he found there is no permanent remembrance of that event. So Dan decided to change that with this memorial.”
      When completely finished, The memorial will include a flag pole, a fountain, a landscaped area with benches where one can stop and reflect.