On the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, hundreds of civilians, and retired and current firefighter and their families gathered in Old Strathcona to honour colleagues who have died.
The service was held at the Edmonton Firefighter’s Memorial at 10350 83 Avenue on Tuesday morning.
Now, the ceremony not only honours local firefighters, who have died in the last 90 years, it’s gained a new significance for honouring the firefighters killed in the World Trade Centre in 2001.
However, the event was held for years before that massive tragedy.
Scott Zawada, the son of one of the firefighters behind the permanent memorial where the event was held was at the event Tuesday.
“Along with my mom, they put their ideas together and got this thing started well before 9/11 happened,” Scott Zawada said. “It was time that they decided that they needed to honour the firefighters that have passed away both in the line of duty and through retirement.”
On Tuesday, Peter Zawada was one of the first names read out – he passed away last September.
“I think for today he’d be very proud, and I know he’s looking down,” Scott Zawada said.
A number of other names were also heard, recognizing the deaths of firefighters dating back to 1922.
It goes without saying that firefighters face many dangers day-to-day – but for many, it’s a job that isn’t necessarily about the money.
“Always remember, whether it’s fire, EMS, police, or the military guys in Afghanistan, sometimes serving is more important than just making money,” Odin Pedersen said.
With files from Kim Taylor
