“Somewhere, Everyday”

Colorado Springs is home to the only fallen fire fighter memorial in the country and every year thousands travel to the Springs to honor that years fallen heroes with a ceremony. We have been several times because my Uncle (just one of the many fire fighters in our circle of family and friends) has been riding his motorcycle out here every year to participate. It is the most incredible sight to see thousands on bikes being ridden down Pikes Peak Ave. by fire fighters from all over.

This was the first time Emily was old enough to enjoy it and she sat stunned on her Dad's lap as she watched the whole procession.

After the trucks and bikes are parked the band marches in. One of my favorite parts of the whole ceremony is when 'Amazing Grace' is played on the bagpipes it is hauntingly beautiful.

Names of all the fire fighters that have been lost that year are read and their families are given flags. It is unfortunate that such a memorial would even need to be in place, but it is a beautiful way to honor the fallen.

More information from the IAFF website:

The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation was founded in 1976 to recognize and honor past and future professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who are killed in the line of duty and to provide funds and assistance to the surviving spouses and children of those members. In 1986, the IAFF and the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation completed a permanent tribute to its members, the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The centerpiece of the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is a bronze likeness of a fire fighter descending a ladder while cradling an infant in one arm. Towering 20 feet above the park’s surface, “Somewhere, Everyday” epitomizes the courage and bravery displayed daily by professional fire fighters across the continent. In 1989, the IAFF erected the first of two granite walls to bear the names of fallen IAFF members. The names of brothers and sisters killed in the line of duty have been etched here since. Although thousands have died throughout our union’s history, the names on this wall date back only through 1976, when the U.S. federal government first began tracking line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

Wall of Honor:

http://www.iaff.org/HS/ffm/wall/index.aspx

All pictures by Nichole Tipton