On a wet Sunday afternoon, Gov. Charlie Baker insisted that the gang gathered outdoors the State House was one that will present up irrespective of the obstacles.
“There’s one event in particular I’m quite sure in the midst of a blizzard, a snowstorm, a rain storm, or hurricane, these seats would be filled and these walkways would have folks in uniform from one end to the other,” Baker mentioned on the Firefighters Memorial annual ceremony. “And that’s this event. Because this event, to so many, is personal.”
The ceremony kicked off Sunday at 2 p.m. in Ashburton Park, with firefighters in uniform getting into to bagpipe music and surrounding the massive statue memorial devoted to firefighters who misplaced their lives within the line of responsibility.
Baker famous in his speech the newest title to be added to the memorial, Jason Menard, a Worcester firefighter who died in 2019 saving a colleague in a four-alarm fireplace.
“He basically looked around at their options and decided in a split moment that the only thing that made sense was to push his fellow firefighter out the window,” Baker recalled. “And by doing so use his body to block the fire and the flame and the smoke that was coming at both of them from getting to his colleague.”
Baker and others remarked on the large dedication of the firefighters oath to serve the general public. The governor mentioned it was an honor to be right here yearly of his phrases and emphasised the administration’s “gratitude, admiration and appreciation” for the primary responders.
The sacrifice of firefighters was made alarmingly clear on the fateful Sept. 11 day 21 years in the past, audio system mentioned.
“The images of that day and the bravery that followed in the aftermath will be forever instilled in our souls,” mentioned Lieutenant Jay Colbert, a member of the Memorial Board of Directors, earlier than asking the gang to take a second of silence.
The board additionally honored two retiring fireplace chaplains who served departments within the state, and a Blue Cross and Blue Shield consultant who labored increasing the departments’ protection. The ceremony additionally added firefighters to the Ring of Honor, a ceremonial honor on the memorial.
The board introduced prints to Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Auditor Suzanne Bump, an honorary member of the board, all of whom will depart workplace after elections this November.
“When we’re back to being private citizens, I can tell you this, we will remain deeply grateful for what that statue stands for and what you represent on behalf of the men and women who serve and swear that oath across 351 cities and towns,” mentioned Baker. “God bless them all.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”