9-11-2006

Never Forget

On this 5^th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, I hope everyone will take a moment to say a prayer for the people who were lost, physically and/or mentally injured, their families and friends and the people who continue to stare into the face of death to protect us at any cost. America has been blessed with the best Firefighters/Paramedics, Police Officers and Military that any one Nation could hope for. To each and every one of you, I say, "Thank you and God bless you!"

For an inside look at the men and women who fought to save lives on September 11, 2001, I highly recommend this DVD: 9/11 - The Filmmakers' Commemorative Edition. This is from two French brothers who were doing a documentary on the FDNY in the days prior to and during 9/11... including the first plane flying over them and hitting the tower while they were on a gas leak call. This is also the only video of the Command Post inside Tower 1 as the tower came down on them.

Firefighters will understand it, citizens will learn from it and everyone will shed a tear during it.

UPDATE: You can now view this DVD online from CBS at no charge. It can't replace purchasing it and viewing it on a big screen television, though. Plus, the DVD is unedited with more features and, most importantly, purchasing it supports the creators. View Video (Requires Real Player)

Captain Mardis was kind enough to share the following from Birmingham Fire & Rescue's 9/11 Ceremony. The pictures are from Station 20. Thank you, Captain Mardis!


9/11 Ceremony

0846, the time the first plane struck, we have Fire Alarm tone out and to signify to all stations in Battalion One that it is time to pull all feasible apparatuses onto the ramp, turn on their lights, but “no sirens”, and pause for a “moment of silence”. After the moment of silence, Fire Alarm will acknowledge that this part of the observation is concluded.

At 0902, the time the second plane struck, Fire Alarm would tone out a second time to signify to all stations in Battalion Two that it is time to pull all feasible apparatuses onto the ramp, turn on their lights, but “no sirens”, and pause for a “moment of silence.” After the moment of silence, Fire Alarm will acknowledge that this part of the observation is concluded.

At 0937, the time the Pentagon was struck, Fire Alarm would tone a third time to signify to all stations in Battalion Three that it is time to pull all feasible apparatuses onto the ramp, turn on their lights, but “no sirens”, and pause for a “moment of silence.” After the moment of silence, Fire Alarm will acknowledge that this part of the observation is concluded.

Between 0938 and 1003 there will be a wreath ceremony and a brief media opportunity.

At 1003, the time that United Airlines flight crashed, Fire Alarm would tone a fourth time to signify to all stations in Battalion Four that it is time to pull all feasible apparatuses onto the ramp, turn on their lights, but “no sirens”, and pause for a moment of silence. After the moment of silence, Fire Alarm will acknowledge that this part of the observation is concluded.

At 1010 all station flags will be lowered to “half mast” for the duration of September 11, 2006. The lowering of the flag would serve as a memorial to all Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2006 and honor and tribute to our service men and women currently serving in the armed forces.