Canadian Firefighters Memorial: Canadian Firefighters Memorial, September 7, 2012

Monday, April 22, 2013

Canadian Firefighters Memorial, September 7, 2012

The fences are down and I get to go onto the site for the first time. I was very excited on that day. What I had only imagined and thought impossible sixteen years earlier was now real. Not only that it is more beautiful than I could possibly have hoped for. While I was taking these photographs some firefighters and some family members showed up to find the names of firefighters they had lost in the line of duty. I teared up seeing them search the wall, feel the names and take pictures. They'll be remembered. I'll be forgotten. I'm OK with that.

The Canadian Firefighters Memorial

The Canadian Firefighters Memorial is a commemorative site in Ottawa in remembrance of all Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of duty and in recognition of the contribution made continually by all Canadian Firefighters. I have taken many photographs of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial while it was under construction and since its completion.

I have posted almost all of those photographs on Facebook. However, in order for people to see them now, they must be on Facebook and my Facebook friend, or a friend of a friend.

I decided to start this blog site in order to post those photographs. There are something on the order of three thousand pictures and more coming. It took some time getting them all posted here. I hope you find them worth your time.

You may ask, "Who are you?" I'm one of the people who founded The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the charitable organization that made possible the building of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial. As someone who is not a firefighter and has never been one, it is my small way of saying 'Thank you," to so many wonderful dedicated individuals who risk their lives daily within Canada's fire service and who have given all they are for it.

Bill Williams

Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage
Give me the 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
And quickly and efficiently
Put the fire out

I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me
To guard my every neighbour
And protect their property

And if, according to your Will
I must answer death's last call
Bless with your protecting hand
My family one and all

La prière du pompier

Quand le devoir m'appelle, Dieu mon ami,
Et que les flammes sans pitié ravagent,
Donne-moi la force de sauver des vies
Et sourtout, de ne jamais perdre courage.

Avec toi, j'attendrai avant qu'il ne soit trop tard,
Le petit enfant blessé, le malheureux vieillar,
Qu'il me soit permis, dand ta générosité,
De leur épargner l'horreur de cette destinée.

Puisqu'en tout temps, il me faut être en alerte,
Je t'en prie Seigneur, guide tous mes gestes,
Dans la tumulte infernal de l'incendie,
Fais-moi entendre le plus faibles des cris.

C'est avec gloire que je remplirai ma destinée,
Sauver des vies, n'est-ce pas le plus beau des métiers?
Quand le calme revient et que chacun retrouve ses biens,
C'est alors que je serai fier d'avoir aidé mon prochain.

S'il arrivait, que par ta volonté,
Ma vie je sois obligé de donner,
Je te prie de veiller sur les miens,
Et de bénir en moi le pompier qui tien.

Canadian Firefighters Memorial

The Firefighter

Viewing the Photographs

Monday, April 22, 2013

Canadian Firefighters Memorial, September 7, 2012