This morning Truck 24 and crew attended the 2008 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. The NFA is home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. It's here that the annual event is held to recognize, remember and honor those who gave their life in the line-of-duty in the preceding year.
Crew attending ceremonies
The 27th annual Memorial Service honored 101 US Fire Service members who lost their lifes in 2007. This number includes the men from Charleston, SC. Many remember them as the 'Charleston 9'. This was the single most devasting LODD since the 343 FDNY Firefighters parished in the attacks of the World Trade Center in 2001. In addition 9 other firefighters where recognized and added to the memorial from previous years.
Truck 24 arrived early and took a position with Washington DC Truck 13. The two tractor-drawns created the flag arch in front of the chapel and main entrance to the memorial service.
DC Truck 13 & Truck 24
'Sea of Blue'
Crews then assisted Chief Rick Kane(C20) with several duties prior to and during the service itself. Chief Kane, who arrived at the NFA on wednesday, is part of the command staff for the Fallen Firefighers Foundation during the ceremony. Himself, along with Chief Dave Howey(C24) have been assisting with the ceremonies for several years.
Once again the weather for this special occasion was beautiful and the ceremony was outstanding. All participating departments and memorial volunteers did a great job!
The Eden Volunteers would like to remind everyone to always remember those who have giving the ultimate sacrafice.
J. Brian Harnly-May 19 1989-Never Forget
Eden's Brick on the memorial walk
Memorial Walk and the Fallen Firefighters Memorial
