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Gathered in Brotherhood & Remembrance: Firefighters Remember 9/11/01

photo by Cookie Steponaitis The candle lit luminaries call attention to the 343 Firefighters lost in the 9-11 attacks and cast a glow of support and warmth on the assembled fireman at Ferrisburgh Fire Department gathered in remembrance of their fallen brothers.

photo by Cookie Steponaitis One of many Vermont fire departments, Ferrisburgh Fire Department and other rescue services gathered for a meal and to remind all going by of the importance of the 9-11 date.

photo by Cookie Steponaitis FFD members Karen and Pamela Taylor offer stand with all others in the department to bring attention and focus to those who were lost in 9-11.

Tuesday September 15, 2009

By Cookie Steponaitis

    Friday, September 11th will for millions of Americans always be a turning point that binds them together in sadness, remembrance and the celebration of the human spirit. Firefighters from all generations in the Ferrisburgh and Vergennes departments gathered together at the Ferrisburgh fire station to mark the occasion with fellowship, camaraderie and reflection on those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

    “We are here for remembrance,” remarked FVFD cadet Adam Terry. “Not just for those that died, but for all the people of America who were forever changed by the emotional toll that day took. It strengthened our belief in what we all do, but it took away our feeling of safety.” Glancing around the yard of the FVFD the ages spanned from infancy to elderly, but there was a bond that linked all present. It was a commitment to serve and support others in the brotherhood of volunteerism. Busily constructing, luminaries the group spelled out the number 343 to honor the number of firefighters who perished when the Twin Towers were attacked on 9/11/01. “Each and every one of us can relate to what happened there that day,” stated FVFD member Mike Donnelly. “When you look at the first images of that day in NYC you realize by the open doors on the trucks that they all expected to come back again.”

    Gathered first in the community of sharing a good meal on a cool summer evening, the sounds at the station were of laughter and fun. Working with the ease of years of teamwork, the luminaries were created; a meal prepared, shared and cleaned up with ease. Coming together at the flag pole, the candles were lit spelling out a message of support echoed by the horns of the passing motorists who witnessed the gathering. FVFD member Mike Donnelly and Deputy Chief Jon Soter led the group in prayer and reflection on the meaning of 9/11.

     “September 11, 2001 was the day that terror ruled our country. It was a day that we lost 343 of our brother firefighters. It was a day that brought our country closer together. On that day we prayed and together we flew the red, white and blue. But there is another color that reminds us of that tragedy; the color yellow, the color that burns in every candle lit this evening in memory of those brother firefighters as well as the police officers and emergency workers who were willing to risk their own lives to protect the lives of others. Let us never forget the sacrifices that they made that day.” With these words spoken by Mike Donnelly the group watched in silence as the burning candles cast a warm light over the flag and the assembled group. Stepping back, one could see invisible bonds uniting the group together, the flag and the candles creating a tapestry that is made of hope, commitment and a drive to serve.

    “We can’t forget,” echoed FVFD member Karen Taylor. “We have to make sure that people’s sacrifices do not go unmarked. This isn’t just about the sisterhood and brotherhood of firefighters and emergency response personnel but the coming together of Americans as a family.” Pamela Taylor, Social Studies teacher at VUHS added, “We are all here as one to remember an event that forever altered the fabric of the American nation. The men and women who went up into those towers did not think of their own personal safety but their calling to help those who were in need representing the core of what volunteerism and compassion means in this country. They represent what being a hero means.” As darkness descended on the people and building, the candles continued to cast their light and warmth across the group and the imagery reminded us all that 9/11 stands as a tribute to those who ran to danger, without regard for personal harm, and to a nation that dug deeply into its resolve to make the loss of life a living tribute to the spirit of freedom and free will that many in the world would like to extinguish. The communities of firefighters in the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department and Vergennes Fire Department sent more than a message of remembrance into the late summer air of September 11, 2009; they remind us all of what drives many apart serves only to strengthen the resolve of millions more. America changed on 9/11/01 and while that first strike at 8:46 took down buildings and lives, it linked a people together in a resolve that extends to 9/11/09 and beyond. America stands strong.

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