On September 12th, a clear and very hot day, I climbed on my Harley and headed for the Annual IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs. In three days of travel, I saw some of the best of the southwest. I rode through the breathtaking country of the Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. In Holbrook, AZ I stopped at an old A&W Root Beer for a frosty mug. Heading up Route 66, I passed some of the old, yet still open Native American stores that lined the old road before the Interstate opened up.
Arriving in “The Springs” (what the locals call Colorado Springs), I met up with my fellow Fire Hogs at the host hotel for a delicious Italian dinner provided by Rose, a mother of an FDNY 9/11 firefighter. Friday we all did our own thing but met up again in the evening for dinner hosted by the IAFF for all firefighters and their families.
Saturday morning arrived with the threat of possible showers. But the weather held and it was a great day for the Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony. Two of our own, Wendy Cummings and Darrayle Prosser, were honored by having their names engraved on the Wall along with 193 others.
Although it is a solemn occasion, it is a beautiful one that all firefighters should attend at least once. With 354 Pipers & Drummers playing Amazing Grace, the line of flags from all of the departments and the many presenters, it gets to you.
In front of me sat a family with their young son. He wasn’t too interested in the proceedings and was told to behave a few times by his dad. I looked at his tag and saw that he was there for his uncle. After the ceremony, I spoke with the father and mother, and offered my condolences on their loss. I asked the young boy if he was going to grow up to be like his uncle. He smiled shyly and nodded his head. His parents looked at me and smiled.
That evening, when everyone gathers downtown to watch the Pipers & Drummers march down the street, I met a lady who had her “only brother” put on the wall as she told me. He was a brother from Canada.
I gathered up a couple of pipers & drummers I know and they honored her, her brother and another widow from Canada by playing Amazing Grace. With tears in our eyes, my brother Fire Hogs, Wind & Fire Brothers and others sitting around gave her hugs and comfort.
Yes, there is beer drinking, music and laughter – isn’t that what a wake is about. But it is also about remembering those that have given the ultimate sacrifice in doing what we do.
If you ever travel through The Springs in Colorado, be sure to stop at Memorial Park at the corner of E. Pike Peaks Ave and N. Hancock Ave. You can’t miss the towering figure of a firefighter climbing a ladder. The Walls with the names are right there. It is a beautiful site.
On the 30th of September, our own state Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony is held in Sacramento. I will be there to honor those of our City and State. Hope to see you there too.
By Rudy Santiago A/O (Ret)