Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Honoring Gloucester’s Fallen Heroes
On Sunday, June 8th I was honored to attend the Gloucester
Fire Department’s annual memorial ceremony dedicated to the city’s fallen
firefighters. Commencing at 8:30am,
current and retired firefighters, elected officials, and others gathered at
Gloucester’s Public Works yard on Poplar St., and then lead a procession to the
Firefighter’s Memorial located at the Cherry Hill Cemetery.
During Sunday’s ceremony, flags were placed on grave sites
of the city’s fallen firefighters, including the eight who died in the line of
duty. The ceremony also featured
heartfelt speeches, and a moment of silence.
The ceremony provided me with an important opportunity to personally
thank the members of our fire department for their dedicated and selfless service
to the community each and every day.
Firefighters in Rockport and Essex also participated in
similar memorial ceremonies on Sunday, while Manchester will host a ceremony
later this month. Posted below are
several photos I captured during the event.
Also below is the Firefighter's Prayer, which is recited at these
ceremonies.
Firefighter's Prayer
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death's call,
bless with your protecting hand,
my family one and all.
