Story and Photos by
JASON R. HENSKE

In an emotional Memorial Day ceremony well attended by citizens, firefighters, and local officials, the Greenfield Fire Department dedicated a three dimensional, life size mural to rescuers who lost their lives at the World Trade Center attacks.

The mural, constructed by artist Wendy LeMay, came about after LeMay felt the desire to do something after awaking at 3 am a short 10 days after the attack. The work is inspired by a flag raising photograph taken by Bergen Record photographer Thomas E. Franklin. After gaining approval from the town selectmen and Historic Commission to place the mural on the historic fire station,the mural took 5 weeks to complete, with LeMay frequently working late into the night. The mural features the now familiar flag-raising scene, with an eagle grasping at the flag from above. The mural makes use of items such as lanterns, turnout coats, helmets, and construction debris to lend depth.

The service, which began with a processional led by Paul Lamson, a bagpiper from the Ludlow, MA fire department and 6 members of the New York City Fire Department, included statements by selectmen, and state representatives, as well as the FDNY members. The crowd often turned emotional, particularly as the FDNY firefighters spoke, and at the reading of a poem by Sharon Broughan. FDNY Battalion Chief James McCarthy applauded the mural as "inspiring," and Firefighter James Sorokac related his Sept 11 experiences to the crowd.

The mural, which is protected from the elements, will provide a lasting tribute both to those who lost their lives in service Sept 11, and who serve selflessly to protect other s every day.