September 11th Remembrance- The Ceremony

9:45 A.M. - Apparatus roll out of bays to appropriate location

9:50 A.M. - Uniformed Fire, Police, EMS and Military personnel assemble at a point in front of station flag, assembled in one or more rows facing the flag, under the direction of the Commanding Officer

9:58 A.M. Commanding Officer: "the tolling of the bell 5 times, with 4 repetitions, represents how the New York City Fire Department, FDNY, announced the line of duty death of a firefighter"

9:59 A.M. - TIME OF SOUTH TOWER COLLAPSE

Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5

Commanding Officer: "ATTEN HUT, HAND SALUTE"

Lower station flag to half-staff (if flag is already at half-staff it is lowered fully, then raised to half-staff) when "raising" a flag to half staff is to "raise to full height briskly, then lower to half staff ceremoniously

Flag tied off, operator salutes

Commanding Officer: “READY TWO”, we will have have 1 minute of silence

Taps played

Taps played at distant location (echo)

Commanding Officer: “AT EASE”

Clergy: Oh God, we remember before you this day our brothers and sisters lost on September 11 2001. We thank you for their example of courage and sacrifice. In your boundless compassion, console their families, friends, co-workers and all who mourn their loss. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our journey and serve with honor, dignity and courage.

refrain: AMEN.

Firefighter: When I am called to duty, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if according to God’s will, I must answer death’s call, bless with your protecting hand, my family, one and all.

refrain: AMEN.

Ring Bell 5 – 5 – 5 – 5

Commanding Officer: "ATTEN HUT, HAND SALUTE"

Station flag raised (if it was at half-staff prior to ceremony it is raised fully, then lowered to half-staff).

Commanding Officer: "READY TWO"

Brief comments from fire department official

Brief comments from police department official

Brief comments from EMS official

Brief comments from military official

Brief comments from public official

Commanding Officer: "Thank you for attending our September 11th Remembrance Ceremony"

Related Material

June 11th - Three Months Before September 11th.

July 11th - Two Months Before September 11th.

August 11th - One Month Before September 11th.

September 4th - One Week Before September 11th.

September 10th - One Day Before September 11th.

September 11th - the day of the Ceremony.

September ?? - the follow-up meeting.

Getting the Message Out

Contingencies

Flag Protocol

Background / Historical Information

Thanks to all that helped

Links

Teacher Resources