Dark clouds passed through the sky as the ceremony for the fallen heroes was about to begin. But spirits were high and the honor flag waved proudly overhead.
Around 500 attendees which included The Governor of Virginia, Ron J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, The Honorable John Marshall, Secretary of Public Safety, Aubrey "Buddy" Hyde, Jr-Executive Director Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Fire Chiefs, Firefighters, Forestry, EMS, Law Enforcement , friends and family gathered at the ninth Virginia Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Saturday June 3, 2006.
The ceremony began at noon with the rousing call of bagpipes and drum performed by St. Andrews Legion. Presentation of Colors were by Virginia Public Safety Honor Guard with Commander Mark A. Antley.
Aubrey W. "Buddy" Hyde, Executive Director of Virginia Department of Fire Programs led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jennifer Ivens sang the National Anthem. Chaplain Rick Jenkins, Henrico Division of Fire offered the invocation.
"I travel around a lot," said Ron Siarnicki, "and what I see is that the fire service continues to bond with citizens."
Siarnicki explained that the fire service was a position of importance to Homeland Security.
The seasoned firefighter then spoke of some staggering statistics. "Every three days," Siarnicki said solemnly, "a firefighter dies. Over one-half die because of vehicle accidents or cardio-vascular problems. We can do something about that, he said and emphasied taking advantage of the upcoming National Stand Down.
"We are all changed when a LODD occurs," Siarnicki said.
Remember You was then performed by St. Bridget's School Intermediate Choir, St. Michael's Catholic Church Cherub and Archangel Choirs.
Pastor - Lt. Pete Hypes of Chesterfield Fire and EMS then offered prayer.
Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine then took the podium.
"Lincoln was asked to speak at Gettysburg," the Governor said. "He was asked to stand where thousands had stood. The site was suppose to be dedicated at the gathering. But, Lincoln said this," Kaine boldly said. "Words cannot dedicate this battleground, it’s already been dedicated by their lives. Will we be dedicated to honor their sacrifice and to fulfill their mission."
Then Kaine continued, "greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for a friend, but I say how great is the fallen that lay down their lives for someone they don't know. Their actions dedicate them, will we be dedicated."
Ashley and Kelsey Reynolds read the moving poem "My Brother Has Fallen."
In honor of Virginia's fallen, flags were then presented to the families of Captain Robert Eades of Bristol Fire Department, Lieutenant James Clarke of Henrico Division of Fire, Fire Chief Max Willard of Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department.
The Virginia Public Safety Honor Guard then explained the history of the tolling of the bells and the 5-5-5 was rang.
Jerry Reed, Master Firefighter/Medic of Newport News Fire Department then played Taps. Benediction was offered by Chaplain Rick Jenkins. The Colors were then retired.
Attendees were then treated to a feast . The event was presented by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Each year Virginia firefighters respond to more than 400,000 calls for assistance. Over 80 have died in the Commonwealth of Virginia while serving in the Line of Duty.
