This past Sunday Truck 24 left at 4 AM with Ladder 24 (Gladwyne) in tow, headed for Emmitsburg, MD. Both companies were invited to participate in the annual National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial service, held at the National Emergency Training Center.
Meeting up with Assistant Chief Howey and Manheim Twp. Chief Kane, crews prepared the aerials to fly the flag setting the backdrop for the event. This was especially important as the President was a guest at this year's ceremonies. Along with his presence came increased security measures at every turn.
Truck 24 and Ladder 24 (Gladwyne) form the arch
While waiting for the ceremony to start, crews got a chance to view the latest statue placed at the Training Center, a memorial to the firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.
Emerald society members with the new 9/11 memorial
Escorted by fellow firefighters, the families of the departed entered the memorial on a sidewalk lined with uniformed firefighters saluting in honor of our fallen brothers and to say thank you to their loved ones.
The ceremony began with comments by Hal Bruno of the NFFF and David Paulison, administrator of FEMA, among others. Finally it was time for the President to speak. He spoke about some of the LODD's in the past year and encouraged everyone to support and thank their local emergency service providers.
Following his speech, President Bush greeted each of the families individually as they were presented the traditional flags in honor of their fallen firefighter. This year a total of 91 firefighters were honored.
While this event only happens once a year, these heroes deserve to be honored everyday.
For more information on the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation, visit firehero.org
