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Hoyer Delivers Keynote Address at 2013 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

October 28, 2013

EMMITSBURG, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered the keynote address today at the 2013 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Below are his remarks:

"It is not every day that one has the privilege of being in the company of so many American heroes.

"Americans owe a special debt of gratitude to all who serve us as firefighters, emergency medical responders, and law enforcement officers. 

"And while we had all hoped to be at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, the government shutdown has forced a change in our plans. We thank the President of Mount St. Mary's for facilitating this morning's service. It is regrettable that our government has been needlessly shutdown.

"Until Congress re-opens the government, 126 of 128 U.S. fire administration personnel will continue to be furloughed, unable to provide fire departments around the country with the training, technology, and data on which they rely.

"Chris Van Hollen and I have been working to end the shutdown, and I had hoped that it would be over in time for this ceremony.

"However, as moving and magnificent as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is, the most important memorial to our fallen heroes – to the husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and friends of so many here today – the most important memorial to them are the memories we carry with us in our hearts and share with our communities.

"Today, we continue the tradition of honoring and remembering all those who gave their lives to protect their communities from fires, natural disasters, and other life-threatening dangers. And we stand in support of the families they left behind – a sacred obligation we must all meet together as a nation.

"I am proud to represent communities in a state with a long and storied history of dedicated volunteer and career fire departments and companies served by both.

"In Maryland, as in the other states represented here today, fire houses are places where members of the community come together in times of joy and times of tragedy. To work together, play together, serve together, and succeed together.

"When one of our fire service heroes loses his or her life in the line of duty, it is a pain that all in the community share.

"And though we are here this morning to pay tribute to and honor the memory of those whom we lost last year, I cannot help but think of the terrible pain still freshly felt by the loved ones of the nineteen heroes of Yarnell, Arizona.

"The terrible and tragic loss of nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew on June 30 of this year was a reminder of the dangers faced by our firefighters as well as the daily acts of courage they commit in the name of service to our nation and its people.

"I flew to the memorial service in Arizona with Vice President Joe Biden. At that service he said: ‘they raced to embrace life just like they raced to fight against the raging fire on Yarnell hill.'

"Those nineteen heroes were like so many of you and the ones we honor today. They fought fire with determination and the same devotion with which they loved their families, communities, and country.

"And it is a reminder that for every fallen firefighter, there are not only family members and friends who mourn but entire communities, whom they served so well.

"In 2012, seventy-three firefighters lost their lives serving their neighbors and fellow Americans. Today we are also honoring the lives of eight who died in previous years, whom we had failed to honor until today. 

"These eighty-one fallen heroes represented the best of America and exemplified our highest values of courage, compassion, and service.

"The author Kurt Vonnegut once said – and I quote: ‘I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than the fire truck.'

"In one sense, he is correct. But in a larger sense, there is a symbol of humanity far greater than the fire engine.

"It is the man or woman who, hearing the urgent alarm, races to that vehicle at a moment's notice and speeds toward danger in the hope of saving lives and preserving property. It is the firefighter – the brave, the selfless, and the deeply caring firefighter and emergency medical responder who symbolize the best of man's instincts to help and to care.

"Serving as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus gives me the great privilege and opportunity to meet so many extraordinary firefighters and their families.

"It also means that, when firefighters are lost in the line of duty, I make it a priority to read about them, learn about who they were and how they lived and served. And I've met with many of their grieving families, colleagues, and community members.

"I have always seen my position as a Member of Congress and as the Fire Services Caucus Co-Chair as an opportunity, indeed a duty, to stand up for all of you and your colleagues across the country as an advocate for FIRE and SAFER grants, robust federal funding to support public safety, and greater recognition for the families of those whose lives were lost in service to their communities. Talking is important, acting even more so.

"It is that responsibility that I am honored to uphold – to keep faith with you and with those who are no longer with us, but who are always present in our hearts and minds.

"A fire has no political affiliation. It knows no ideology or creed. It does not discriminate.

"And that is why we must stand united in steadfast support for the men and women who fight fires, respond to medical emergencies, and put their lives and safety at risk in doing so each day.

"To the families of the fallen, know this:  a grateful nation stands with you in remembering your loved ones and their heroism. We will never forget them. And we will not forget you. Your well-being is now our sacred trust.

"And to the many who continue daily to stand at the ready in fire and rescue stations throughout this nation, we offer our deepest thanks and steadfast support. We are here for you. We salute your courage, your commitment, your dedication, your skill, and your spirit of selfless service. America is a greater country because of those who serve our nation in the fire service.

"And let us never forget the enduring words of the firefighter's prayer:  ‘When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age. …and if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life; please bless with your protecting hand my children and my husband or my wife.'

"Let that ever be our charge to each and every one of us. God bless you and our fallen heroes."