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October 06, 2006
We will never forget...
As family members and friends looked on, Los Angeles Fire Captain James Finn began reading. His words were clear - pointed - emotional. People bowed their heads. Others watched the Captain at the podium; behind him five bronze statues shining brightly under a magnificent blue sky.
"Sam Haskins, " Finn read aloud. "Clinton Johnson. Charles Fuselehr. Adolph Hermanson." Finn was reading aloud the names of Los Angeles firefighters who lost their lives while serving the city and its citizens. For ten minutes, with a bagpipe playing in the background, Finn reminded the audience of the sacrifice made by firefighters - and the risk every firefighter takes, regardless of city, state or country - every time they pull on their turnouts and climb aboard a rig for an emergency response.
The memorial event also included a presentation by Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre, who noted the dedication that went into the creation of the memorial and the museum that sits beside the memorial plaza. Retired Assistant Chief Frank Borden also spoke of the new memorial, the plaza, and the effort put into the city's first dedicated site for remembering its fallen members. Councilman Tom LaBonge and others, both from the community and the department shared their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives under the glare of a bright Hollywood sun.
In the audience, the wives, brothers, sisters, parents and children of fallen Los Angeles firefighters sat and shared in the experience. The tears were, for the most part, long gone. But the memories remain and for these special people, the opportunity to share not only in the memory of their fallen family member, but in the memories of those around them, made the event one of celebration, rather than sadness. "We want to celebrate the lives of all firefighters," retired Chief Borden commented. "But these fallen members of our department are special and now, we have a place for them to be. It's a home of sorts, for them and for the community."
The memorial plaza is nearing formal completion and will be open during daylight hours to anyone interested in viewing the memorial wall, or sitting under the shady tree in the memorial plaza. For Los Angeles residents who have yet to see the memorial, Saturday October 7th will see the Firefighter Festival of Hollywood take place, just outside the memorial plaza. So, bring your family and visit this special place. The festival will be open from 10AM through 8PM. Admission is Free.
Posted by dbarrett at October 6, 2006 12:57 AM
Comments
Thanks for the real time information on today's Memorial Service.
Posted by: Frank Borden at October 6, 2006 03:14 AM