2003_MM_FYRE49
09-07-2003, 10:21 PM
Well the 13th is drawing near faster and faster. Being in school all this week I probably won't be able to get much puter time in so I thought I'd post this now. Unfortunately I won't be able to join you in Texas. I will however be doing something that is very near and dear to my heart. I will be traveling to Colorado Springs to honor 77 of my Brothers and Sisters that gave their all in the Line of Duty over the past year. In addition to being a Firefighter, I am a Commander for the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Honor Guard and also a member Of the International Association of Firefighters Honor Guard. Each year in the month of September the International's Honor Guard travels to the memorial in Colorado Springs to honor our fallen. The memorial takes place on the 20th of Sept. this year but we have to be there on the 17th to prepare for the memorial. Firefighters form across the world come each year to see the memorial. Our memorial starts at 1:00 p.m. mountain time and ends at 2:30. So this I ask of you, my Marauder brothers and sisters, At 2:30 when the bag pipes are droning in the distance and the drum beats to Amazing Grace for my other family, the Fallen Firefighters, take a moment to remember those who gave their all, for I will at that time be doing a job of honor. Mac, since you are a member of Chicago's Pipes and Drums, would you be willing to lead this? I would appreciate it if you could. On Sat. evening we have a tradition at 9:00 p.m. on the day of the memorial, the Honor Guard gathers in a circle and raises a toast for our dearly departed, and pray that we will not lose another in the year to come. It will be at this time that I will be thinking you you guys also, I come have concider this like a family of Firemen because of all the support and help that we are always ready to give each other at a moments notice. So everyone have a safe trip to Texas and all the fun you can possibly have and we'll be thinking of each other throughout the day on Saturday... HOOORAH
Tim :fire: 49
Tim :fire: 49