Posted on 07/08/2013 5:15:32 PM PDT by CedarDave
It has been a rough week. Most of us in the Prescott area have been walking around as though we entered a bad dream, not quite believing what transpired on that hill in Yarnell. We may have tried to pick ourselves up, go to the rodeo, watch the parade and then the tragic reality jolts us back to a state of sorrow. We are trying to absorb the whole thing, accept the facts, but in churches around town yesterday, many of us sat waiting for comfort, and maybe even answers from someone with divine knowledge. "God, why did this happen?" was whispered among those sitting in the pews.
Those 19 men were our boys, our sons and brothers. I am always humbled by what firefighters actually do, marching towards an inferno when everyone else is running away. The videos of the 911 World Trade Center that showed firefighters trudging up those flights of stairs with about 60 pounds on their back, while thousands of people are heading down the steps, says it all. Into danger they go. Service, sacrifice, strength of conviction beyond an ordinary person's comprehension defines these Hot Shots.
We are grateful to them because of their fearless effort to save a town, tame a fire to ensure people like you and me are safe. They were not thinking of themselves that day. They were focused on protecting others' lives and property, which was their mission. That it turned out so terribly wrong may always weigh heavily in our hearts and minds. The fire that scorches and scars the landscape has done the same to us. We lost so much that day.
(Excerpt) Read more at dcourier.com ...
Indoor seating is no longer available. Tickets have been issued to family and support “fire family” personnel All others attending should plan to watch outdoors Please be aware that shading or seating will not be provided. The weather is calling for temperatures in the mid 90’s and humidity around 13%. Water stations will be available. Please come prepared to stand or bring lawn chairs but please plan for the heat. The service will also be streamed live online.
Live Streaming links and all memorial information will be posted on:
1. OFFICIAL FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/granitemountainhotshotsmemorial
2. OFFICIAL TWITTER: www.twitter.com/Prescott_fire
3. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: yarnellfallenfirefighters.com
Heartbroken for their families. The loss is overwhelming.
A story and video that will move all to tears ...
Prescott Fire Department Wildland Division Chief Darrell Willis called the 12 together in a circle. They listened as he recited the 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want ...
"I'm pretty sure everybody was on a knee — or two," Matthews said.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me ...
"It was beautiful," Matthews said. "We wanted to hear that at that time."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.