National IAFF Memorial

Over the past couple of months at different places when talking about the FireBuffInfoPage Facebook page and the Wix Wed site I have been asked and have had several conversations about “The Brotherhood”, “What is it?, they ask”, “What does that mean?” the questions and conversation goes on and on. Well how do you answer those questions or explain to someone what “The Brotherhood” is!?

So, I have sat back and put some thought into how to best explain it and I keep coming back to this one spot, this one thought. And that is; unfortunately; it is a reflection of a sad day in the life of a firefighter and their family, which is the day their name has been added to the IAFF Memorial in Colorado Springs Colorado.

Why do I keep coming back to this spot as the best way to explain what “The Brotherhood” is? Well let me explain!

I grow up the son of a firefighter for a small town here in Massachusetts. I also grow up at the time when the department would clear out the apparatus floor for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. A time when Musters where Musters with the bucket brigades and hose wrestling. When dad said get in the truck kido! But, none of that can explain or show “The Brotherhood” is!

I also have had the unpleasant experience of picking him up from the hospital after he had eaten a little too much smoke, which again came close to seeing “The Brotherhood!” I got an even better view and understanding the day of and the days following the day he suffered a major stroke which left him unable to speak and walk.

But it would not be for many years later when he passed away and my family traveled to Colorado Springs Colorado for the IAFF Memorial that I would truly see and then understand “The Brotherhood!”

Seeing the share number of men and women who give up their daily lives and spend their money to travel to the memorial so family members like myself and others can have an unforgettable send off for their loved ones and be comforted in a way which is indescribable is a true depiction of “The Brotherhood!”

My family and I spent several days down there prior to and for the memorial and ever step we took, every move we made was done knowing that “The Brotherhood” was there with us. From the moment we stepped off the airplane they were there to great us, and shuttle us to our hotel. As we checked into the hotel we had sons and daughters of Local 5 in Colorado Springs escorting us with our bags to our rooms. They provided us with pre-arranged day trips. Regular shuttles to and from the memorial site. They had banquets set up. They also had a small story with IAFF stuff for us to buy as a token. Pipe & Drums playing at almost every corner, every stop. And lets not forget the celebration they provide in the streets of downtown.

But truly “The Brotherhood” is seen at the memorial! Hundreds of men and women dressed in full dress gathering under the hot sun, standing at attention as each name is read. As each flag is presented. While others play the Pipes & Drums in the background, That is what “The Brotherhood” is!!!!

God bless each and every member of “The Brotherhood” and their families.