The Fort McMurray Fire Department (FMFD) Honour Guard held a memorial service on Monday to pay tribute to the 16th anniversary of 9/11.
On Sept. 11, 2001 close to 3,000 civilians lost their lives when hi-jackers flew commercial planes into New York’s World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
The department remembered their own fallen firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and other members who passed too soon due to illness or other reasons.
“Although our hearts are filled with profound sadness, they are also filled with great pride as we remember and reflect on the character, devotion and endless acts of courage by each of our fallen. Words cannot repay the debt of gratitude we owe to them,” said Rob Van Hecke, president of the IAFF Local 2494.
Also at the service, FMFD unveiled the new Fort McMurray Firefighters Memorial.
The Honour Guard began work to build the memorial grounds eight years ago, they raised $100,000 to be able to design the piece of art that would honour their fallen members.
The statue is in the shape of the Maltese Cross, in each portion there are vignettes based on the firefighters prayer.
You can view the monument at Fire Hall 5, off of Saprae Creek Trail.
