National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nusing Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. At the end of the 19th century, "The Lady with the Lamp" - or as she is more widely known, Florence Nightingale - founded modern nursing. Thanks to her strict use of handwashing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale and her helpers reduced the death rate from 42% to 2% - ushing in nursing as we know it today.

Recent events have made all of us a little more aware of how selfless the work of a nurse is. Each day they put themselves on the frontlines to care for other human beings. That is why KMFA Classical 89.5 is proud to support a citywide effort to recognize nurses this week.

Each night at 7:00 p.m. through May 12th Austinites are being asked open your windows and doors and make some noise to celebrate nurses. Whether you tap on a tirangle, beat timpani, grab a pot and a wooden spoon or simply applaud and cheer - we invite you to join Austin each night.

We will set the mood tonight on KMFA By Request, when just before 7:00 p.m. (on May 6th) we will honor nurses by airing Summon the Heroes by composer John Williams. The City of Austin has also asked several prominent buildings in the skyline to illuminate blue and encourages residents to consider swapping out their porch lights with a blue light bulb for the week.

You can also participate by sending a physical or virtual note of thanks to nurses and health care providers on a special web platform created for the week. Social posts can also be tagged with #HealthCareHeroesATX in support.