On Sunday, October 16, 2011 the names of 89 Fallen Firefighters were honored and their names added to the national memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Here are highlights from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 2011 Memorial Service:
The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg was a tearful ceremony remembering and honoring those firefighters that had fallen in The Line Of Duty.
The fire service has a lot of traditions. Throughout most of history, the life of a firefighter has been closely associated with the ringing of a bell.
Acting Deputy USFA Administrator Denis Onieal explained the history of ringing a bell in a 5-5-5 sequence. "Done for the purposed of notification, and as a sign of honor and respect, such symbolism has been a long-honored fire service tradition which still continues in some cities today…"
Onieal added: "…For those who have selflessly devoted their lives for the good of their communities and fellow citizens, the bell tolls their last alarm for they have gone home."
As firefighter's began theirs hours of duty, it was a bell that started it off. Through the day and the night, each alarm was sounded with a bell, which called the firefighter to fight a fire or to rescue a person.
All emergency response placed the firefighter's life in jeopardy for the good of all. And... when the fire was out, or the rescue accomplished, the alarm had come to an end, the bell rang 5-5-5 to signal the end.
This past weekend our fathers, husbands, brothers, friends,... our brother firefighters, have completed their task and their duties are well done...
The bell rings 5-5-5 in memory of and in tribute to our fallen firefighters lives and their service...
The 89 Fallen Firefighters Will Be Missed... Never Forgotten...
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
