FDNY Tales - The Banner (Ira Hoffman)

In 1967, at the height of the Vietnam war, a demonstration was held in Central Park and an American flag was burned. Ray Gimmler, Captain of Engine 17 was incensed. To show support for the troops fighting in Vietnam he organized a march down Fifth Avenue. 70,000 people from all walks of life marched in the parade. Watkins Street, including Engine 232 which was quartered there at that time, made a banner to use in the parade.

The first picture, taken on the day of the parade, May 13, 1967, shows the banner, with some of the Watkins Street contingent. Shown are: Richard "Dart" Kaufold, Bill Rossiter, Tony Tuozzo, Larry Nevins, Bill Kennedy, Ted Waldeck, John Hellen, Don Healy, Lt. Kiesel, Jim Hagan, Tom Cleary, Ed Casson, Jim Battillo, Seymour Schenker, Tom Cherry, Rudy Greco, John "JJ" Connolly and Al Rudiger.

A few months later Benny Monger, a fireman in Engine 231, volunteered for active duty. Ben, a Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, had previously served in World War II, and the Korean Conflict. Before he left for Vietnam he was presented with the banner. Hundreds of firemen signed it offering words of encouragement and support, including the Chief of Department who wrote: "Benny: work hard and come back in one piece - we need you, John T. O'Hagan, Chief of Dept."

Benny was wounded in action for which he received a purple heart, and returned for duty at Engine 231. The banner meant much to him. He kept it among his more valued possessions. When he retired and moved to Florida, he brought the banner with him.

Many years later, on the occasion of Ladder 120's centennial celebration in 2006, Benny brought the banner back to the firehouse and presented it to Ladder 120's commanding officer, Captain John Calamari.

The second picture shows the banner in 2012, 45 years after the march down Fifth Avenue. Shown are: Billy McLaughlin, B.C. Pat Horne, Capt. Calzolano, Mike Mucci, Lt. Pat Connolly, Pete Carroll, John Ostraticky, Ryan McNamara, Darren Fenton, Chris Corbett, Danny Monteleone, Trevor Lawrence, Capt. Calamari, Will Hickey, Sal Scafuri and Craig Williams.

After the above picture was taken the banner was put back on the bunkroom wall in it's place of honor for all to see. Watkins Street - The Tradition Continues

Now it's your turn. Do you have a story that you'd like to share? Maybe you have an idea for a story? Please let us know. Send it to: fdnytales@Fire-Police-EMS.com

Thanks, Ira Hoffman