When the Garrison flag was lowered from the roof of the Pentagon last week, three firefighters involved in the original effort watched from the ground.

Instead of unfurling from the roof as they did 25 years ago, ropes attached to the bottom of the flag were used to pull it down. Another difference – no firefighters were involved.

“They all had safety ropes and harnesses on too,” retired Alexandria Firefighter Scott Morgan said with a laugh. 

He, retired Alexandria Firefighter Joe Morabito and Fairfax County Firefighter Karl Sallberg  were the only ones from the original team who attended the 25th ceremony last Friday.

“It was pouring. We were standing under an umbrella watching all these people getting soaked. Then, a woman asked if anyone was part of the crew on 9/11. After raising our hands, we were led up front,” Morgan said, adding that he became one of those people getting drenched.

They were asked if they wanted to go onto the roof.

“For maybe a second or two, I thought it would be kind of cool. They wanted us to take about a 15-minute safety briefing. We were already drenched in our Class As. So, we all decided we were fine just where we were.”

They were seated among the cabinet members and other dignitaries, which Morgan said was an experience and honor. “Who would have believed…”

Morgan shared his story Sunday with fellow firefighters around the table at the Independent Hose Company in Frederick where he’s a volunteer.

Twenty-five years ago, we were on the roof hitting hot spots when a military officer told us they were going to need help unfurling the Garrison flag. So, we all got together and did it…”

Fellow Alexandria Firefighter Eric Whitmore, also a volunteer at the Independents, had been on the roof before the flag lowering.

“We were hitting little fires and the FBI told us to look out for anything that may be evidence,” he said, adding that many of the crews operating weren’t wearing SCBAs because the rigs carried only enough for those on duty.

Morgan and Morabito found it difficult to describe their emotions when President Trump called their names during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Fairfax County Firefighter Sallberg could not be reached for comment. 

“I was overwhelmed by all the attention. It was very, very nice,” Morabito told Firehouse.com.

When he heard about the terrorist attack on 9/11, he was ready to respond even though he was not on duty.

“I had a boot on my foot because I had broken my ankle. I went anyway. I wasn’t going to let that stop me.”

The following day, he convinced his doctor to remove the boot so he could maneuver better. He returned to the Pentagon sans the bulky footwear.

“We all worked together to unfurl the flag. I was proud. It was definitely an experience that I’ll never forget…”

Morabito said it was humbling to be recognized 25 years after the roof detail that involved a combination of firefighters and military personnel.

After the ceremony last Friday, the three firefighters and their families were included in a breakfast before the main tribute in the courtyard.

Both said they were just doing their jobs that day. They never expected the recognition.