Photo provided TOM COTTELLO, commander of the Bellaire VFW, on Friday points to the group's new sign that thanks people who are working on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

BELLAIRE — The Bellaire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 626 is showing its support and appreciation for those on the frontlines battling the coronavirus with a large new sign on the front of its building.

Commander Tom Cottello said he wanted the sign installed to show appreciation to the “everyday heroes.” An anonymous donor paid for the sign.

“I wanted it because I wanted to show people we’re thinking about them and appreciate them and what they’re doing,” Cottello said.

The sign, located at the front of the building, thanks people for their service during COVID-19. It salutes the everyday heroes for putting their lives on the line, he said.

“It’s a nice sign,” Cottello added.

Across the nation, signs small and large have become a way for people to show their appreciation for those who work in hospitals and for first responders during the ongoing pandemic.

In the United States, more than 120,000 people have died from the virus since March.

“When it comes to something like this, we don’t hold back,” he said of giving thanks. “It makes me feel good, and so far the people who have come here and seen it, they love it. I just wanted to do something to tell people we do care here.”

Cottello said during stay-at-home orders and closures of businesses, the VFW took advantage of the time and did some work instead on its building, including installing two new floating floors, along with some plumbing work in the kitchen.

The sign states, “We thank our community for your service and sacrifice during the COVID-19 pandemic. We salute the everyday heroes putting their lives on the line during this difficult time.”