The Call Of Duty

Coming down to the War Museum on Remembrance Day, we stopped at the national firefighter's monument. The statue of a firefighter stands high over the onlooker; it's much bigger than the city memorial I showed you a couple of weeks ago.

Nearby stands a wall bearing the names of firefighters across the country who have fallen in the line of duty, either directly on the job, or through illnesses attributed to the profession. On one panel is a firefighter's prayer. It ought to be readable, but just in case...

When I am called to duty, God

Whatever 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

And quickly and efficiently

Put the fire out

I want to fill my calling

To give the best in me

To guard my every neighbour

And protect their property

And if according to Your will

I must answer death's last call

Bless with Your protecting hand

My family one and all

The names are etched on the stone, a testament to the risk of the calling that is the life of the firefighter.

It's a new monument, but a stark and fitting one. And because the firefighter's profession is dangerous, there is room on the wall for more names- and room for more walls. And there will, sadly, be more names.