The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honored 103 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2008 & 19 firefighters who died in past years but had not yet been honored, with approx 6,500 relatives & colleagues attend from across the nation. (The National Firefighters Academy is in Emmitsburg, MD.)There were 4 hook & ladder firetrucks holding up two giant American flags at the National Emergency Training Center. It was awesome to see.
"They died because there was something in each of their lives that they valued more than life: their duty, their calling to protect the safety of their families & their fellow citizens', Rep. Hoyer stated. They are ready to shout down tens of thousands of years of human instinct to run into danger, into fire, into the floods, into catastrophe."
Each family was presented a folded American flag & a red rose. The bag pipes played, & a flock of white doves was released.
It was breathtaking to view. Our heroes ..... please remember those that lay down their lives for us.
~~~~~
***The pictures following are some I took as I meander thru the Maryland countryside backroads enroute to this ceremony. Many more will follow in over the next couple of weeks.***
Your countryside is spectacular!! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteWe, too, pray for our firefighters and policemen often. May the Lord God protect them all and bring them safely home.
Oh Marydon, what a beautiful tribute to our firefighters! My Jack is a retired police officer and I retired from the police department as well... I have such a high respect for anyone who lays their life on the line for all of us... I also worked closely with the fire department and lost several good friends who gave their lives for us as well... I so appreciate you always recognizing those who serve all of us, as you did the Veterans too... love to you! Bisous... Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot to be grateful for with our firefighters.
ReplyDeleteWhenever i meet one, or police, or military, i always thank them for being there for us.
I've been reading your words of wisdom and thoughts on the sidebar.
Really great!! Especially like the "Why" and "good morning". The choosing to smile is so right!
And it works.
Blessings, and sure appreciate your visits to my place. =0))
barbara jean
A very nice tribute to a fine group of people that are sometimes taken for granted. I went to a classmate's funeral a few years ago. He sustained injuries during a fire and died from them 3 days later. It was so sad to see the fire truck he served on carrying his casket to the cemetery.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful country pics!
What a special tribute for our Heroes. Your countryside is breathtaking, thank you for sharing
ReplyDelete*hugs*deb
Beautiful photos of the countryside Marydon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to these heroes. I'm sure it was very special to all those involved, thanks for taking us along!!!
everything vintage
Marydon, my niece's hubby is a firefighter/paramedic. I don't think people know how much these folks do beyond the call of duty. When we had all those hurricanes in 2004, many firefighters came from all over the US to lend a hand. They are self-less in their duty to our communities. I don't think firefighters nor the police are given enough credit for what they to do help our country.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Marydon,
ReplyDeleteSuch a moving, heartfelt post !! How wonderful to honor those that serve us, and have fallen.. What men of integrity, and servant hearts !! they all desserve this and more !! Blessings to you for a wonderful day, and thanks for sharing such good !!
hugs ~tea~xo
Hi me again. =0))
ReplyDeletein answer to your "do i follow you" question:
I did not see you on the list. =0/
So, get on over here girl and get signed up!! =0))
I'm glad you enjoyed reading about my walks. More coming up now that i have pics ready.
Have a wonderful day.
blessings
barbara jean
Yes girl, you visit me often here, for which i am most grateful. =0))
ReplyDeletesee you again soon.
barbara jean
What a nice tribute to our heroes - those still serving and those who have gone on. Love the countryside photos. Have a good day. Becca
ReplyDeleteMarydon, A wonderful tribute and beautiful pictures. We have much to be thankful for. These firefighters are always in my prayers of gratitude for the service they rendered to their fellowman.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
June
Marydon, what a beautiful post and thanks for reminding us who keeps us and our homes safe.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of that old barn . . . it's terrific.
Thanks for visiting my blog and hey! The teapot is always on for you so come on over! I'll save some banana bread for you! Oh, and I'll post the recipe too . . . it's so easy!
Blessings,
Teresa
What a beautiful trubute to some amazing heroes! They are what makes America great!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing such an important message. Great tribute to firefighters.
ReplyDeleteOur firefighters are true heroes. I am always in awe of their dedication and sense of duty. They run inside when everyone else is running outside. Incredible!
ReplyDeleteNice of you to ask Marydon. My mom has more tests to go thru but after the one today our worst fears seem to be fading. She has several more appts over the next week. I am believing that all will be OK. Hope you have a wonderful day. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute! I wonder how many people actually think about the dedication of these men and how they put their lives on the line everythime they go to a fire.
ReplyDeleteHi Marydon,
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to these amazing people.
They do a great job and thank you for sharing with us. The countryside is beautiful.
Hugs
Carolyn
Sounds like a wonderful ceremony to honor these very special heroes.
ReplyDeleteEach one a hero. So glad they were honored in this way. :O)
ReplyDeleteWow! God's timing is something. Today was my first visit over here after you dropped in with me. As I started reading the post, I was SO touched. My son is a brand new firefighter. He is in his first year and simply loving it. I pray for protection on all of them.
ReplyDeleteAlso enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
Beautiful photos and a grateful heart here in Michigan. I thought I was going to be making some signs for Terry, but someone beat me to it. lol Maybe next time. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Hi Marydon! Love all your Fall photos, and look forward to seeing more! ~tina
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I'm following!
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing about this tribute. People don't think about service folks - firefighters, police, medical - until they need them.
ReplyDeleteWe have fire fighters in the family and Dave and I are both volunteer fire fighters in our small valley.
What a wonderful tribute for these firefighter heroes! Thank god for them!
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute Marydon.
ReplyDeleteHi Marydon! What a wonderful post! I praise God for all of our firefighters! Jessica at the Cozy Kettle - her husband is a firefighter.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hey Marydon, thanks for your visit to my blog and your sweet comments. You have a lovely blog here. The tribute for the firefighters looks very moving. My hubbie retired from being an Atlanta firefighter a few years back.
ReplyDeleteOur military, police and firemen....God bless all of them. That they're willing to put their lives on the line for people they don't even know is amazing to me...
ReplyDeleteHave a great day sweet girlie...
Hugs,
Spencer
It sounds like an amazing and moving experience. It takes a special kind of person to put their life on the line every day for others.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the old barn-can't get enough of those! Hope your week is going well and you are in good health!
such a nice post to honor the brave souls who risk their lives for us
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to those who risk so much for us. Beautiful photos of the countryside too.
ReplyDeleteElle
What a wonderful memorial service and such beautiful countryside.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marydon. My continuing prayers and thanks for all who risk all to keep us safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. My brother is a firefighter here in California. It does take a special person to be a first responder or service person. We owe them so much more than we can ever give them.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Dawn
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post. I miss the area...lived in New Market, MD. We miss the country drives to MD, PA and WV.
ReplyDelete