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More than 100 motorcyclists braved the rain and chilly temperatures Saturday to ride to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD to pay tribute to fellow personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"We rode our motorcycles today as we have in the past to pay our respects and show support to you, the families and friends of the firefighters and EMTs we honor this weekend," said Tommy Baker, a retired firefighter who heads the annual Red Helmet Ride.
Several hundred families and colleagues of America's fallen heroes dabbed tears as Montgomery County, MD Battalion Chief Scott Graham sang "You Raise Me Up."
Baker, a retired firefighter, reminded the families that their heroes died doing what they loved. "...Firefighting is not just a job you do. It's a job you live, whether volunteer or career it does not matter."
The crowd was silent as Baker described the unique relationships. "The camaraderie within the firehouse family is not known in any other profession. In some communities, the fire house is the focal point of the entire town. In others, it's another home and family. I'm sure there are multiple generations in the same fire department represented here."
Baker read a few excerpts from an article written by Ben Sharer, a firefighter from United Fire Authority of Greater Salt Lake. "I wish you knew how great it feels to make a five-year-old's day, simply by letting him sit in the fire engine, and blaze the siren for a second. I wish you knew how amazing it feels to realize the only reason a little old lady called 911 was because she was lonely and needed someone to talk to her, then taking a half and hour to save her day..."
Baker said it was important for everyone to remember the happy, fun times like the practical jokes, Friday night poker games and swapping stories about "the big one."
"We will celebrate their lives, but, we also never forget their ultimate sacrifice."
People stood with their hands over their hearts as the motorcyclists placed a wreath at the memorial.
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