Saturday, September 17, 2016

Brotherhood

Firefighters came from across Canada for the service, as well as from the United States, as there was an American flag among them. Pipes and drums led the way, joining the brass band that was already in place, followed by the march in of a multitude of firefighters in uniform, from various branches of services.


The ceremony included remarks by several speakers- firefighters with the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Ontario Fire Marshal, the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and fire department chaplains. It also included the national anthem, the last post, laments, and the ringing of the fire bell as a last call to fallen firefighters. The names of the twelve fire fighters who have been added to the wall were called out, and their families honoured. I recorded Amazing Grace as played by pipes and drums during the service- the melody always moves me.


With the service over, the march past began. Those fire fighters who made up the pipes and drums and standard bearers, who had been to my left through the service, marched out to join their colleagues who'd marched in behind them at the start. The whole body of them moved out from the Memorial together, passing by the families of those new names on the wall.

30 comments:

  1. I love the drums, kilts and flags!

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  2. With these celebrations it contributes to give strength and life to please them.

    Tomás.

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  3. A special tribute to special people. I had a friend whose father was a firefighter and we use to visit him at the station. They were always nice and respected in their community.

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  4. Those pipe and drums are so nice to watch and listen to.

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  5. I'm with Linda... drums, kilts, flags. So awesome.

    Janis
    GDP

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  6. @Linda: it is quite an entrance.

    @Tomas: it does.

    @Bill: the same applies here.

    @Marianne: I agree.

    @Janis: they are.

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  7. William, you got some good pictures of those bands from wher you were standing. Sitting inthemiddle of it, at times I wished I could be up above looking down on all that was going on.

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  8. once a firefighter, always a firefighter.

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  9. That would be a very moving ceremony and a good remembrance of those who were lost. It's very colorful with all the uniforms and bands.

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  10. A very moving ceremony! We have a local firefighters bagpipe unit here too. I've seen them perform at events.

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  11. I would have been there, William !

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  12. Firefighters deserve every tribute they get. They chose a dangerous job, putting their lives on the line....

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  13. @Furry Gnome: I seem to have selected a good spot that day.

    @Tex: it really is a calling.

    @Red: it was moving and poignant.

    @Sharon: I love the sound of the pipes.

    @Karl: I thought it was a good decision to go.

    @Norma: they certainly do.

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  14. Like those joint standards (flags), neighbor. :-)

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  15. Beautiful, lovely and sad.
    This made me cry and I wasn't even there.

    cheers, parsnip

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  16. oh how I would like to hear them play
    :)

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  17. True heroes all, William. It is well to honor them as you have fitly done here

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  18. Sounds like a moving and meaningful ceremony. It always startles me to see men in kilts. That's rare here in the U.S.

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  19. @Bill: yes they are.

    @Revrunner: they stand out.

    @RedPat: very dignified.

    @Parsnip: thank you.

    @Mariusz: just click on the link!

    @Janey: it was poignant music.

    @Mari: it was.

    @Cloudia: thanks!

    @Kay: it's more common here- there's a strong Scottish influence that goes way back.

    @Beth: just click on Amazing Grace!

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  20. I agreed with what Linda wrote.

    Very cool all the way around.

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  21. Neat! Glad these heroes are being honored.

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  22. The parade of uniforms is a spectacular sight. A wonderful service it seems for the firefighters who have given their lives so others may live.

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  23. It sounds and looks like a beautiful memorial.

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  24. Bagpipers! One of my (many) weaknesses. Bagpipe music goes right through my bones.

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  25. @Whisk: that it was.

    @Linda: it is a good tribute.

    @Gemma: I like that sense of brotherhood.

    @Anita: it certainly is.

    @Jack: I love the sound of bagpipes.

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