Things to do (from Billy Goldfeder)

Hey... If there was a "list of things to do before we are done" for Firefighters, there
could be a wide range of things that we oughta or want to do....and will make a good story in the near future. But the one detail I very seriously mention way more than anything else is for every Firefighter to at least once...attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Since 1982, we have honored Firefighters who lost their lives in the line of
duty during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year (Sunday, October 7th) the names of 87 Firefighters who died in 2006 will be added to a plaque during the annual Memorial Service. 4 others who died in the line of duty in previous years will also be honored.

If you haven't been-it may be a little hard to understand what to expect. Some
Firefighters avoid it because of the perception that "it is depressing"........depressing?!

What it is, is unlike any other event that honors all Firefighters who gave their
lives....and the families left behind. Depressing--well yeah---at some points---because it's all about Firefighters who died in the line of duty. WTF did you expect? But more importantly than any of us indirectly involved with any LODD getting depressed, the weekend serves as a really solid reminder for many of why we are Firefighters, and for those of you who have lost faith in the fire service-for whatever reason, it significantly helps refocus.

For some, it is the weekend "brotherhood" (boys and girls included) and the "spirit" you remember from when you first joined. For others, it is a reminder of how some of the Firefighters being honored lost their lives-and what we can do to not repeat "that" from happening again. Personally, that's it for me: when I see the families there without "their" Firefighter---because "their" Firefighter was killed---(some heroically-and some not)....each provides a real personal connection, focus and motivation.

On your list of things to do, be in Emmitsburg on the 7th for the Memorial Service and
refocus thru the people you will meet - the stories you will hear - and the tragically lost Firefighters you will honor, why this, being a Firefighter is still---no matter what---the greatest job ever. Not only will your attendance matter to those 500+ family members who will be there mourning the loss of their loved one-but you will also renew that spirit that motivated you to become a Firefighter in the first place. Hope to seeya.

Take Care,

BillyG

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