3rd Annual Firefighters Candlelight Remembrance Vigil (Part 2)

Volunteers prepare for the start of the candlelight ceremony.

Photo by Philip Deitch

Fire personnel from the Departments within the metropolitan St. Louis area, including the Metro East were invited to attend.

Photo by Philip Deitch

Maplewood emergency personnel attended the vigil to remember their co-workers and loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Photo by Philip Deitch

Members of the Greater St. Louis Area Firefighters Highland Guard await the start of the ceremony.

Photo by Philip Deitch

The illuminated Firefighter Statue and Civil Courts Building serve as a backdrop for the solemn ceremony.

Photo by Philip Deitch

The St. Louis Fire Department Honor Guard opens the ceremony with the Presentation of the Colors.

Photo by Philip Deitch

Mrs. Gayle Jones (l) of The Roch Church of St. Louis, Soulard, leads the guests in the singing our National Anthem.

Photo by Philip Deitch

A number of speakers participated in the Reading of Names segment of the program, including:  Jackie Hummert, Angela Martin, Laura Morrison, Darnita Riggins, St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, High Ridge Fire District Chief Mike Arnhart, Harriett Vaucher and others.

Photo by Philip Deitch

A scene during the Reading of Names portion of the program.

Photo by Philip Deitch

In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of that day's shift.  Through the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow man.  And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all, the completion of that call.  And so to he who has selflessly devoted his life for the good of his fellow man.  His task completed, his duties well done.  To our comrade, his last alarm, he's going home.

Photo by Philip Deitch