Pet Peeve

I hate seeing some of the salutes given to our fallen brothers. I wish it was something that never had to be done again but we are fooling ourselves if we think we will never have to bestow this honor again. The salute is an honor given to them and should be done properly.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on December 12, 2009 at 4:53pm

If must was implied, my bad. Honors rendered to the fallen,whatever form being done, MUST be done in a manner reflecting the honor and respect for that person. If it is going to be a 'military' salute, then one should learn how to do it properly. A sloppy salute is, particularly one give at a funeral, is IMHO, disrespectful.

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Permalink Reply by GARY HANSON on December 15, 2009 at 1:05pm

Twice in my association with my Fire Department, I have had the honor of ringing the "Bell" for the fallen brother. Myself and two other brothers, stood at attention in "Full Bunker Gear" on the engine platform while the ceremony was going on. Most FFs and Officers removed hats when the bell started to chime. I have not observed saluting as part of the ceremony. The last of these funerals was for a Retired Chief of the adjoining district. Our district took two engines in the six engine escort. It was a moving experience to watch the folks as the cortège passed by. Almost every vehicle stopped and some even got out and stood by with hats off and doing a civilian salute. In my view it was not the accuracy of the gesture that counted but the respect being shown.