September 12 – “One down”

For the second year I led prayer at the Patriot’s Day ceremony led by the Galveston Fire Department and including representatives from the VFW, Galveston Police Department, Galveston Sheriff Department, Galveston EMS, and Galveston Wharf Police.  I think there may have been representatives from some other organizations as well.  It was a really hot day, and actually not very many citizens were in attendance.  Part of that was attributed to the 9:15 start time, I suppose.  There was also a community prayer meeting scheduled for later in the afternoon on the steps of the county courthouse.  Another issue was the lack of reporting from the newspaper in their article the day before on county celebrations. 

The fire department was out in force, though.  Guys on shift from stations one, two and five were all standing at attention as the procession of honor guard and VFW colors marched from central station to the gazebo next to Rosenberg library to the accompaniment of a bagpiper from Houston.  The bagpiper later played Amazing Grace as part of the recognition of sacrifice of the heroes who died in the World Trade Center attack.  Fire Marshall Gilbert Robinson did his usual great job as emcee of the event.  Mayor Jim Yarbrough made some remarks and left a city proclamation regarding the day before he and Fire Chief Wisko hurried off to a major city budget meeting.  Names of the New York City organizations that lost members were read, followed by a solemn ringing of a bell three times, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice.  I have to admit it is always a bit disconcerting to hear the command, “Uncover” when I begin with “Let us pray.”  Very powerful acknowledgment of the presence of God by these first responders and military veterans.  VFW Post 880 and their ladies auxiliary presented a memorial wreath.  A VFW comrade closed the proceedings with one of the absolute best renditions of Taps that I have ever heard.  Not a single missed note. 

There was one tense moment.  As Fire Marshall Robinson was reading the city proclamation, one of our young fire fighter honor guard members, who was holding a shield, began to feel the effects of the heat.  He did his best to make all the way through the ceremony, but finally reached that point of no return.  Just as he felt himself beginning to black out, he gracefully eased himself back to sit down on the steps.  In the process he gently propped the shield against his legs.  The movement was accomplished with such poise that many in the crowd thought it was part of the ceremony itself.  I have to admit for a second or two I expected each of the other shield bearers to follow suit, as a symbol of the people who died.  It didn’t take long, though, before Justin was helped over to the fan area and given some water to cool him down.  He bounced back remarkably well.  Before the pictures were taken, he was back in uniform, holding his shield in his assigned post.  Great symbol of the indomitable spirit of first responders that we were celebrating.  Gotta love these fire fighters. 

Psalms 16:11 says, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Father, we ask you to join with us here today to honor a host of brave folks who you know even better than we do.  Sometimes it hurts to remember things like this.  It is important though.  Sometimes it would be so much easier to just forget the whole tragedy and move on.  But it is through the pain of the past that we appreciate the hope we have for the future.  And it is through the sacrifice of the heroes we honor today that we learn things like bravery and commitment and integrity.  Touch with your peace the hearts of the families who will never forget loved ones lost.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.