Treating each day without care, taking for granted the blue of the sky, the warmth of the sun on our faces was challenged by the plaintive lament of bagpipes. Two white tents seen from the sidewalk and a crowd gathering behind the Victoria legislature, lands of these parliament buildings and surrounding areas are located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people. Walking with a friend who alerted me to the tents, I followed my curiosity, strolling onto the lawn towards a gathering crowd. Quickly I saw many uniformed firefighters and recognized what was possibly a memorial service. I decided to remain and take in this opportunity to witness the ceremony that was about to unfold. This ceremony was to honour the fifteen firefighters who had lost their lives in the past year. Honoured were firefighters from Trail, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and Trail. Tearful members of their families received flags of honour. The uniformed parade of firefighters, men and women, filled the streets around the Legislature with their strength, numbers and music. This ceremony was extremely moving to this curious bystander.
“But aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown.
To our noble hearted Firemen, who fear not danger’s frown.”
~ Fredric G.W.Fenn
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