Canada's Fallen Firefighters' Memorial - 9 September 2012 (photo Pat Cunningham) |
The memorial wall is housed in a park not 50 feet from my patio, where I often sat to watch construction, drink coffee and inhale dust.
Wall in background, flag just barely visible |
The Governor-General and several officials of the Association and like organizations spoke---all of them passionately, proudly and emotionally. Part of the ceremony was the announcement of the 11 firefighters fallen last year, followed by their families being escorted to the wall and accepting the condolences of the hundreds of people who were there.
This photo is of the larger than life-sized fireman inviting people to look to the wall, standing in full uniform with axe and fire-pole beside him. It was the site of many photographs taken on Sunday.
400 serving firefighters from across Canada, with a delegation from the US, marched down from Parliament Hill, led by a pipe band.
Nothing stirs the heart like the skirl of a pipe band (photo Pat Cunningham) |
Photo by Pat Cunningham |
All in all, a stirring and memorable event, and for us, such a proud day to see the Memorial and the people and the site so right for each other.
An eagle's eye view, the eagle being my friend Della:
Great photos and words for a historic day.
ReplyDeleteThat sure is a LOT of firemen to have died in the line of duty!
ReplyDeleteDone and done. I hope you get to enjoy the place. Is there a bench to read on?
ReplyDelete