There will certainly be many things about the COVID-19 pandemic that we'll aim to forget once life eventually returns to something resembling normal, but daily clapping out of appreciation for healthcare workers won't likely be one of them.

Cities across Canada and all over the world have been partaking in the daily tradition since the public health crisis began, in an attempt to say thank you to the heroes working on the front lines in these terrifying times.

Today the applause for healthcare workers was very loud. Could hear the clapping and clanging from across the water. I haven't heard anything that loud from downtown since the 2010 Olympic gold medal game when Canada won. #StayHomeCanada #coronavirus #HealthCareWorkers pic.twitter.com/p6x5I0T2HO

— ᴘᴜᴅ333 (@pud333) March 30, 2020

Vancouver was one of the first cities in Canada to participate in the act of appreciation, which started in Europe, but other cities such as Toronto and Montreal have followed suit. 

At some point between 7 and 8 p.m., whenever the hospital shift change happens in that particular city, you can likely hear residents clapping, cheering, yelling and banging pots and pans from their balconies. 

My favourite part of the day!

Banging pots and pans and clapping and cheering for everyone on the frontlines.

THANK YOU FROM TORONTO pic.twitter.com/uuG4gbryEl

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) March 28, 2020

Many of Canada's healthcare workers are likely too busy or tired to even hear the applause, but it's a worthy attempt at letting them know we appreciate their tireless and selfless work — now and always. 

I heard you tonight! Clapping and cheering. I’m proud. But then I had to get home so I could sleep to be back tomorrow. #essentialservices it takes a village!! I pass the accolades to my colleagues that deserve and need it right now #HealthcareHeroes #Toronto #StayAtHome

— Kirk Young (@y_kirk) April 1, 2020

In Montreal, police also sound their sirens and churches ring their bells in unison with the people.

#Montreal police played their sirens .Churches bells rang on Sunday.People flashing lights from their homes. Clapping 2 the heroes who works everywhere during this #pandemic. I can’t believe I survived all this &these; scenes will be engraved in my soul forever . #StayHomeCanada

— Gihan A (@just_me_g) March 30, 2020

It's a well-deserved thank you to the doctors, nurses and hospital employees who are putting themselves at risk every single day — with the added strain of limited resources — to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. 

Vancouver clapping and cheering for the health workers at shift change. This happens every night at 7pm. #clapforourcarers https://t.co/nnXT1G1ozz

— DG ❤️🇨🇦 (@dgct2) March 26, 2020

It's also a heartening reminder that we're all in this together despite the fact that we have to be physically distant. 

Pots banging, screaming, clapping - Vancouver at 7pm honours healthcare workers. Adding my tears to the mix. Compassion and love endures 💔

— Lisa Tant (@LisaTant) March 31, 2020

It's an act of unity, humanity, empathy and gratitude — something we can certainly all use right now and something we'll likely never forget.