For each of the last 12 years, on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, a special tribute has been made to the firefighters that died that day. At Yuma Fire Department Station #2, 3284 S. Avenue A, 343 flags are placed on the lawn along Avenue A. One flag for each of the 343 firefighters that gave their lives in the collapse of the towers of the World Trade Center while attempting to rescue those injured in the initial attacks. Fire Captain Paul Evancho and his daughter, Brittany, started the tradition of placing the flags for each September 11th anniversary and have continued the job each year. The flags are placed in neat rows, similar to what is seen in military cemeteries. The flags will be put in place at 4:00 Wednesday afternoon, 9/10/14, and will remain in place until Friday morning. The flag display will be lit during the two nights it will be in place. On Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 10:00 am, there will be a presentation with the Honor Guard and the United Yuma Firefighters Pipes & Drums, as well as a brief commemoration from Fire Chief Steve Irr. This will also be held at Yuma Fire Station #2. The public is invited to both the flag placing, and the commemoration ceremony. In addition to the display and commemoration, at 10:28 am on September 11th an announcement will be made over the YFD radio system that will be heard in all vehicles and in all stations calling for one minute of silence to be observed for all the victims of the terrorist attacks. It was at 10:28 am (local time in New York) that the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. You are invited to share in this observance and stop in at your local fire station if you are in the area at this time. All Yuma Fire Department stations will fly their flags at half-staff for “Patriot’s Day”. At 6:00 PM on 9/11/14, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish (505 S Avenue B) will hold a “Blue Mass” to honor those who lost their lives in the cowardly attacks against our country and those who have lost their lives since, defending our freedom. Personnel and off duty vehicles are requested to attend. This is a remembrance mass and any representatives who wish to take part in the Mass or serve as an Honor Guard are called upon. The United Yuma Firefighters Pipes & Drums will also be present at the Blue Mass. After the Blue Mass (at approximately 7:30 PM), the Yuma Fire Department will host a brief memorial service at E.F. Sanguinetti Fire Station No.1 (353 S. 3rd Avenue). Last year a 9/11 Memorial was unveiled, and incorporates a 24”, 160 pound section of I-beam recovered from one of the Twin Towers and was constructed based on original concept drawings by local artist Debra Erfert. It was built by local construction workers and YFD personnel to honor those whose lives were lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville Pennsylvania. Monsignor O’Keeffe will say a prayer and Fire Chief Steve Irr will give a brief history on the artifact. The public is welcome, and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:00:45 +0000
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