IAFF National Memorial Service

I was very fortunate to be invited to the International Association of Firefighters National Memorial Service, this weekend in Colorado Springs.  Each year the Firefighters assemble there to intern and pay tribute to those who have given their lives in the service of others.  This year 169 Fire Fighters had their name placed on the granite wall.  Thousands of Firefighters from all over our country and Canada were in attendance to pay their respects.  Unfortunately Arlington has four names that were already on the wall, obviously we would like to keep it at then number for a long time.

Also in attendance were over 280 bagpipers and drummers that gave the ceremony a traditional Scottish flair.  Their artistic abilities were remarkable.  In the older days Police Officers were normally Irish, while Firefighters were Scottish.  So the musical groups were heavy on Kilts’, bagpipes and tradition.  The ceremony lasted two and a half hours, and I felt very privileged and honored to have been invited to this event.  If you ever have the opportunity to attend I strongly suggest it.  The Arlington Firefighters are consummate professionals, and represented our city well. 

Please watch this video, 19 of the 20 Hot Shots names were put on the wall because of the Prescott fire: http://gazette.com/multimedia/video/3797283812001