[Karen Leming]

How many women firefighters are in charge of thier departments Honor/Color Guard?

[Marley]

Are you kidding? Women don't look nearly as good as men in those skirts!

sorry, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. I'll shut up now.
_________________
Marley
----------
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it up. --Henry Ford

[protectNserve]

I'm not in charge but am a member because of my military experience. It's a sad state of affairs. Tonight they had us at attention for our casket duty. Does parade rest still exist??

[Karen Leming]

Have you been to the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO that is the 3rd week-end in September?

[protectNserve]

I haven't been to the memorial. I'm also unsure if someone like myself would be welcome as I'm a volunteer (can't be a memebr of IAFF).

[Karen Leming]

The IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial is for IAFF members. However, you can go as a spectator. Go to www.iaff.org and click on the fallen firefighters memorial for more information.
October 6-8 is the date for the fallen firefighters memorial which is for volunteer and paid, and is in Emmittsburg. Go to www.firehero.org for information on that event. (you may already know about this information)

[protectNserve]

Do you plan on attending this event? I have plans to head to DC/VA the week before so this could work perfectly for me. I can just head back the morning of the 9th.

[Karen Leming]

I will be attending the one in Colorado Springs. This will be my fourth year. For the last three years, I have had the honor of reading the names of the fallen.

[protectNserve]

How did you get chosen for such an honor (forgive my ignorance if it should be obvious).

[Karen Leming]

Sorry that it took so long to get back with you............
The first year I was asked to read, and then I have volunteered every year after that. There are alot of other functions that I could do, but I feel lead to do this position. The readers are firefighters from all over the Country and Canada from various departments. Some are reading the names of the fallen from their own department (very difficult). You need to read theire name, the rank, the Local number and department without error in front of over one thousand people (to include their family.) No mistakes. This is corrdinated with the Honor Guard marching in with flags, presenting a flag to the family as well as the bell ceremony.

It is very hard to do but at the same time it is such an honor.

[protectNserve]

No problem on the timing. Life gets BUSY!

I commend you on your strength...don't think I could do it so am grateful to someone like you that can. Thank you frro letting me know about the service that I will now be fortunate enough to attend.

[ARFF99]

I am an Assistant Shift Coordinator for our Honor Guard. I have attended IAFF Memorial in Colorado Springs twice (observer 1st yr, participant last yr). It was an honor to be chosen last year as one of four chosen to represent our department. We did have a LODD. This year I will be attending again, but not as a participant. It is great meeting Honor Guard members from all over the US. See ya there this year!