Yesterday we gathered as a community, like we do on the second Sunday of the month every June to honor firefighters and remember the men and women in the fire service who are no longer with us. It is a day rich in tradition.

Friends, families and community members gather at the cemetery (if it rains we gather at the fire house) where we are lead in prayer, awards are given for on duty and off duty response to emergencies, the roll call of honor is read, which calls every member who has ever served on our town’s fire department and has passed by name, the fire fighter’s prayer is read, the bell is rung five times signaling the last alarm, the trumpet plays and the bagpipes lead the procession of firefighters down.

I stand with my family, proud of tradition, and proud of my husband for what he does and his love for the job and the community that he serves. This is my life as a fire wife. I’m sure my kids favorite part is the donuts back at the fire house and in the past showing off their strength climbing up the pole. But now that they are older perhaps the day has a deeper meaning for them, I think I’ll ask them today.

If you’ve never experienced a Fire Fighter Sunday maybe you can go to one in your community next year. If you are a fellow fire wife or part of a fire family I’d love to hear if your town does anything differently.

Firefighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand,
my children and my wife.

Author Unknown