9-20-08 There are so many photos, but so many more emotions for this post.
I can tell you there were too many hugs, too many grieving families, too many flags presented, too many names added to the Wall ... So many, too many, good people lost.
Rather than read my words, I would rather you see what I witnessed. No matter their protestations, these were heroes - they are heroes. And I only hope to do honor to each of them and those who came to stand for them.
There were an awful lot of photos clicked on my camera that day ... Both behind the scenes and the actual ceremony.
I will upload them in a number of posts so that you have a better chance of finding the photo you are looking for. Many will seem like duplicates, but as with most group photos, not everyone looks their best, you choose the ones you like.
Remember to "click to enlarge" before cutting & pasting any photos you want. (Otherwise you'll get a thumbnail photo.)
If you'd like a better feel for the sights & sounds of the actual ceremony, check out You Tube. One I just had sent my way is at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_eTO3YCnzk
If you have other links to share, send them to me at HeroShirts@aol.com and I will post them here.
lj
Sunday, September 28, 2008
QUINN'S -- FRIDAY NIGHT
9-19-08
-- Another of the traditions ... Quinn's Irish Pub in downtown Colorado
Springs. They are always up for the invasion of the firefighters from
all across North America.
This is one of my favorite things during the events of the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. They come from everywhere to pay respects, place the names of their Fallen comrades, family & friends on the Wall. It can't be dead serious for the entire time ... that will come, the tears will follow.
For now it is time to play loud enough that they are heard in Heaven and their departed can rock the nights with them. The pipes & drums fill the air, the earth feels like it shakes under their strong beats and you feel it all the way to your heart.
Drinks are bought for friends and glasses are raised with pride to pay respects to those who are not their to drink with them. There is laughter, camaraderie & in their own way; healing. Family members can be found among the sharing, feeling once more the kinship of the fire service. It is a wonderful thing to watch, even better to be allowed into the inner sanctum of this ritual. And a heck of a lot of fun besides!
A special note here. This entire event is hosted by Colorado Springs Local 5. They do an AMAZING job!!! Every family member is treated so specially, and everyone attending sees & feels all of the effort put in by this Local. It is no doubt a tireless job, but one that comes obviously from their collective hearts. A huuuuge salute to every one of you who had a hand in making yet another year so successful!
lj
Tags:IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Quinn's Irish Pub, Colorado Springs, Local 5
This is one of my favorite things during the events of the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial. They come from everywhere to pay respects, place the names of their Fallen comrades, family & friends on the Wall. It can't be dead serious for the entire time ... that will come, the tears will follow.
For now it is time to play loud enough that they are heard in Heaven and their departed can rock the nights with them. The pipes & drums fill the air, the earth feels like it shakes under their strong beats and you feel it all the way to your heart.
Drinks are bought for friends and glasses are raised with pride to pay respects to those who are not their to drink with them. There is laughter, camaraderie & in their own way; healing. Family members can be found among the sharing, feeling once more the kinship of the fire service. It is a wonderful thing to watch, even better to be allowed into the inner sanctum of this ritual. And a heck of a lot of fun besides!
A special note here. This entire event is hosted by Colorado Springs Local 5. They do an AMAZING job!!! Every family member is treated so specially, and everyone attending sees & feels all of the effort put in by this Local. It is no doubt a tireless job, but one that comes obviously from their collective hearts. A huuuuge salute to every one of you who had a hand in making yet another year so successful!
lj
Tags:IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Quinn's Irish Pub, Colorado Springs, Local 5
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
9-19-08 -- It takes a lot of practice to make something so special look so flawless ... And practice they did.
So here's your peek behind the scenes ... sans kilts, if you will.
For the record, the photos where they are acting as if they have something in their hands - They are in position as if they were holding the flags that they would be presenting to the families at the ceremony on Saturday.
Enjoy the glimpse backstage ...
lj
So here's your peek behind the scenes ... sans kilts, if you will.
For the record, the photos where they are acting as if they have something in their hands - They are in position as if they were holding the flags that they would be presenting to the families at the ceremony on Saturday.
Enjoy the glimpse backstage ...
lj
IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL -- MACARONI GRILL
9-18-08 The annual gathering for dinner at Macaroni Grill ... This tradition began a number of years ago with our Massachusetts buddies and has built to the dinner you want to be a part of.
Few formalities, lots of laughter, and growing traditions that include raising glasses to our beloved Fallen, raising a bottle of wine to our lips, and the intro's (You'd have to be there ... But this time Benjamin got to meet Mr Robinson)
The staff of Macaroni Grill are to be complimented for not only making it work, but being a part of the frivolities.
This night has grown by leaps & bounds, and promises to be huge next year. Be sure to check in with Joe or Bobby to get in next time --- They're taking over!!!
Thanks for the fun!
lj
Few formalities, lots of laughter, and growing traditions that include raising glasses to our beloved Fallen, raising a bottle of wine to our lips, and the intro's (You'd have to be there ... But this time Benjamin got to meet Mr Robinson)
The staff of Macaroni Grill are to be complimented for not only making it work, but being a part of the frivolities.
This night has grown by leaps & bounds, and promises to be huge next year. Be sure to check in with Joe or Bobby to get in next time --- They're taking over!!!
Thanks for the fun!
lj
Saturday, September 13, 2008
We have NOT forgotten!
9-11-08 -- Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard has once again stepped up to remind us all of the promise we made 7 years ...
"Never Forget"
Under the direction of Honor Guard Commander Karen Leming, the Tacoma Firefighter Memorial on the waterfront was packed with those sharing that sentiment.
They do not keep this a private event for the firefighters only. They invite police, ems, and all first responders to join with military personnel, civilians, and all who want to make sure we continue to pay our respects to our fallen.
Special guests included firefighter Colin Stir --- (Karen, please let me know if this spelling is wrong.) He was a TFD firefighter when the terrorist attacks happened, but now is a member of the FDNY. He was able to give a unique insight to the views of life in NY, post 9-11.
We were also honored by the attendance of Mayor William Baarsma, and our Governor, Christine Gregoire.
I want to pass this one on to all of you. Yesterday I received a call from a firefighter who was perusing the journal. His (paraphrased) question was "Why is it that we only seem to get get together when there is tragedy?" Anyone? And how can we change this perception/reality?
lj
"Never Forget"
Under the direction of Honor Guard Commander Karen Leming, the Tacoma Firefighter Memorial on the waterfront was packed with those sharing that sentiment.
They do not keep this a private event for the firefighters only. They invite police, ems, and all first responders to join with military personnel, civilians, and all who want to make sure we continue to pay our respects to our fallen.
Special guests included firefighter Colin Stir --- (Karen, please let me know if this spelling is wrong.) He was a TFD firefighter when the terrorist attacks happened, but now is a member of the FDNY. He was able to give a unique insight to the views of life in NY, post 9-11.
We were also honored by the attendance of Mayor William Baarsma, and our Governor, Christine Gregoire.
I want to pass this one on to all of you. Yesterday I received a call from a firefighter who was perusing the journal. His (paraphrased) question was "Why is it that we only seem to get get together when there is tragedy?" Anyone? And how can we change this perception/reality?
lj
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tunnel to Towers Run
The Tunnel to Towers Run
is happening once more in New York City. I intend to make it out there
this year for this one ... My first time. No running here, I will be
taking photos of the amazing men & women who will step up to show
they have 
NOT FORGOTTEN!
As I've mentioned this to people in passing, they ask what it's about, so I thought I would share with you.
The following are excerpts from the official website ... Tunnel to Towers Run
You can donate the the cause, which benefits some great programs ...
Annual Tunnel To Towers Run: A memorial run, in tribute to the memory of the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, his 342 FDNY brothers, and all 9/11 victims.
NYC Firefighter Burn Center: The Foundation donates to the Pediatric Unit of the NYC Firefighter Burn Center, which is dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education, and the proper treatment of burns.
Burn Centers across America: In 2004 the Foundation started the Brother for Brother firefighter teams program. Firefighter teams from throughout the nation compete in the run and winning teams donate to the burn centers of their choice.
New York Foundling: The Foundation has donated to the NY Foundling, which provides a broad range of services for orphaned, abused, and neglected children.
Legacy Awards & Wings of a Hero Awards: These Foundation awards are given to local community children who have lost one or both parents.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Funds: The Foundation has donated for scholarships to children who have had a parent in the U.S. armed services who have died in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars.
Kidsave: Donations have been made to Kidsave, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the plight of children without parents, advocating for them, and helping these children find permanent families.
Children of Hurricane Katrina: Scholarships for children who have lost one or both parents whose lives were also devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling: The Stephen Siller, FDNY, "Let Us Do Good" Children's Foundation is Co-chaired the capital campaign for Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling to build a new home for New York City’s most vulnerable children.
This event happens after the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, so there are going to be lots of hero pix coming your way.
We don't ask for monetary donations, just the shirt off your backs for our troops. If you are looking for a great cause that could your your dollars, here you go!
"Never forget!"
lj
Tags: Tunnel to Towers Run, Stephen Siller, FDNY,
NOT FORGOTTEN!As I've mentioned this to people in passing, they ask what it's about, so I thought I would share with you.
The following are excerpts from the official website ... Tunnel to Towers Run
|
|||||
Annual Tunnel To Towers Run: A memorial run, in tribute to the memory of the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, his 342 FDNY brothers, and all 9/11 victims.
NYC Firefighter Burn Center: The Foundation donates to the Pediatric Unit of the NYC Firefighter Burn Center, which is dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education, and the proper treatment of burns.
Burn Centers across America: In 2004 the Foundation started the Brother for Brother firefighter teams program. Firefighter teams from throughout the nation compete in the run and winning teams donate to the burn centers of their choice.
New York Foundling: The Foundation has donated to the NY Foundling, which provides a broad range of services for orphaned, abused, and neglected children.
Legacy Awards & Wings of a Hero Awards: These Foundation awards are given to local community children who have lost one or both parents.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Funds: The Foundation has donated for scholarships to children who have had a parent in the U.S. armed services who have died in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars.
Kidsave: Donations have been made to Kidsave, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the plight of children without parents, advocating for them, and helping these children find permanent families.
Children of Hurricane Katrina: Scholarships for children who have lost one or both parents whose lives were also devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling: The Stephen Siller, FDNY, "Let Us Do Good" Children's Foundation is Co-chaired the capital campaign for Stephen’s House of the New York Foundling to build a new home for New York City’s most vulnerable children.
This event happens after the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial, so there are going to be lots of hero pix coming your way.
We don't ask for monetary donations, just the shirt off your backs for our troops. If you are looking for a great cause that could your your dollars, here you go!
"Never forget!"
lj
Tags: Tunnel to Towers Run, Stephen Siller, FDNY,
More from North Bend -- "Burn to Learn"
9-7-08 -- They looked like firefighters when I got there, and by the end of the day they looked like they'd been doing it for years.
A couple of them asked if I could make sure to catch their smiles, and I did. But they were a pretty focused group, and a lot of the pics just show the intensity after they came out of the tower hot and sweaty.
I never knew how the instructors were chosen or compensated for the time they spend there. I've had it explained that the state pays them. So while they are on their days off of their respective fire departments, they are still "on the clock" when sharing their expertise.
A great quote from Firefighter/instructor Aaron Fields is "... most of us are involved in teaching because we are dedicated learners." Well said.
What I watch are guys who really love what they're doing. This is important work, but they make it fun.
Chief Lyon calls it "Disneyland for firefighters", the moniker has stuck & is very apt. You catch that look in their eyes when the recruits show they've taken it all in and can put it to use. And you get the feeling that most of these guys would do this for nothing.
This is one of the many reasons I have such a respect for these guys. Much respect for Chief Lyon & Firefighter Fields!
**If any of you recruits would like to leave a positive message for any of the instructors, you can add a comment on this post. (I can not imagine any of these recruits would post anything negative. Just need to restate occasionally - Our policy is not to post negative -- You can watch the news for that. This is a troop morale campaign, after all.)
Family members, you are more than welcome to post encouraging messages for your recruits here as well. I know that had you been there you'd be telling these kids how proud you are of them ... So go ahead! ( ;
Hope you guys like your pix ... Now be sure to go to the main site and show us your hearts. September 11th is coming up this week and with it is the kickoff of the 6th annual Hero Shirt Drive - our troops are counting on all of you!
You all have an extra shirt/sweatshirt, etc. ONE shirt EACH from everyone at your station, add your message to a troop then combine it with all the others from your house and PLEDGE that number at www.HeroToHero.US We need you all to step up, and the troops will be able to see your hometown name on the list as the Pledges grow. You have til New Year's Eve, but please don't wait. Prove you have "Not Forgotten" by marking the day with this gesture for our heroes.
And keep us posted of upcoming events in Washington State that you would like photographed so we can keep sharing with the troops looking for a taste of home.
**A question was raised about why the flag is at half staff at the Academy. We had a crazy shooting in Skagit County that killed 6people, one of which was Skagit County Deputy Anne Jackson. I believe this is the reason. If I'm wrong, let me know and I will make the corrections. Our hearts go out to all involved. A special prayer for the Jackson family.
You guys looked great!
lj
**And no ... These are still not the pix from the Combined Volunteer Academy ... They are ready & waiting - We just need a graduation date. And FYI - Pirolo is gonna think he is a rockstar when he gets a peek at them!!
A couple of them asked if I could make sure to catch their smiles, and I did. But they were a pretty focused group, and a lot of the pics just show the intensity after they came out of the tower hot and sweaty.
I never knew how the instructors were chosen or compensated for the time they spend there. I've had it explained that the state pays them. So while they are on their days off of their respective fire departments, they are still "on the clock" when sharing their expertise.
A great quote from Firefighter/instructor Aaron Fields is "... most of us are involved in teaching because we are dedicated learners." Well said.
What I watch are guys who really love what they're doing. This is important work, but they make it fun.
Chief Lyon calls it "Disneyland for firefighters", the moniker has stuck & is very apt. You catch that look in their eyes when the recruits show they've taken it all in and can put it to use. And you get the feeling that most of these guys would do this for nothing.
This is one of the many reasons I have such a respect for these guys. Much respect for Chief Lyon & Firefighter Fields!
**If any of you recruits would like to leave a positive message for any of the instructors, you can add a comment on this post. (I can not imagine any of these recruits would post anything negative. Just need to restate occasionally - Our policy is not to post negative -- You can watch the news for that. This is a troop morale campaign, after all.)
Family members, you are more than welcome to post encouraging messages for your recruits here as well. I know that had you been there you'd be telling these kids how proud you are of them ... So go ahead! ( ;
Hope you guys like your pix ... Now be sure to go to the main site and show us your hearts. September 11th is coming up this week and with it is the kickoff of the 6th annual Hero Shirt Drive - our troops are counting on all of you!
You all have an extra shirt/sweatshirt, etc. ONE shirt EACH from everyone at your station, add your message to a troop then combine it with all the others from your house and PLEDGE that number at www.HeroToHero.US We need you all to step up, and the troops will be able to see your hometown name on the list as the Pledges grow. You have til New Year's Eve, but please don't wait. Prove you have "Not Forgotten" by marking the day with this gesture for our heroes.
And keep us posted of upcoming events in Washington State that you would like photographed so we can keep sharing with the troops looking for a taste of home.
**A question was raised about why the flag is at half staff at the Academy. We had a crazy shooting in Skagit County that killed 6people, one of which was Skagit County Deputy Anne Jackson. I believe this is the reason. If I'm wrong, let me know and I will make the corrections. Our hearts go out to all involved. A special prayer for the Jackson family.
You guys looked great!
lj
**And no ... These are still not the pix from the Combined Volunteer Academy ... They are ready & waiting - We just need a graduation date. And FYI - Pirolo is gonna think he is a rockstar when he gets a peek at them!!
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