Remembering Nine Firefighters - That Gave Their ALL

Today is Wednesday, June 18, the 169th day of 2009 with 196 to follow.

Thousands remember 9 S.C. firefighters

AP Photo: An honor guard stands at attention by a row of nine caskets prior to the memorial services.

Today we pause to remember and honor

nine that made a difference ...

On Monday, June 18th, 2007, in north Charleston, S. C.,

they gave ALL!

So on this second anniversary, we honor these true

American hero's who faithfully, as always, answered the call to duty!

We also remember and honor their families who lost so much.

And ask God's blessings and peace to be upon them,

providing the strength that only He can provide.

Firefighter Melvin Champaign

Capt. Louis Mulkey

Engineer Mark Kelsey

Capt. Mike Benke

Firefighter James 'Earl' Drayton

Engineer Bradford 'Brad' Baity

Firefighter Brandon Thompson

Asistant Engineer Michael French

Capt. William 'Billy' Hutchinson

A FIREFIGHTER'S CALL TO DUTY

They Run Away and We Run Towards Them,

They Play While We Work,

They Worry And We Comfort,

Tears Of Sorry And Tears Of Sweat,

That's What Firefighters Do

All Across America

Just As These Fallen Nine Firefighers,

Men, Husbands, Fathers, Sons, Brothers, Friends and Neighbors

DID.

I Know My Hero -

Do You Know Yours?

Nearby, a retired Marine stood with an American flag.

"I joined the Marine Corps when a couple of these kids were just being born. If that don't make you cry, you're not a human being," said Robert Turner, 47. "These guys do the same thing that we did in the Marine Corps. It's all duty. It's all honor. It's all for your country or for somebody else. You don't join the service to get rich. You don't become a firefighter to get rich."

I agree with this marine ..... he and these nine firefighters,
and many others serving, or who have served,

in our military and first responder organizations

to defend and protect us,

are America's finest!

Let us remember to thank them, salute them,

and pray for them and their families,

AND NEVER FORGET!

The Memorial Services for the nine firefighters "who gave their ALL" in north Charleston, S.C. was very moving, emotional and inspiring -- "HEROES IN OUR MIST" in the mind of this former volunteer firefighter. An example to all of us,

and a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for

and to be PROUD Americans everyday,

to be kind always, and 'make a difference' in every way we can

to make us a stronger, better people and nation.

That's our heritage and how America should proceed to remain vital and prosperous - to remain "the land of the free, and the home of the brave"?

History can be a great teacher! What's our purpose?

The choice is ours, it's up to us!

These nine firefighters were in touch with their heritage,

they walked it

and lived it

right to the end,

in the same footsteps as our forefathers,

Americans,

Americans first!

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This is wake-up time America!

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GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS US ALL!

So, at 73 years young, I thank you for visiting Bills' Country .... a place I hope will be one of kindness and friendship, a place to learn and share and grow, and together we can go about life making it better for our shelves and most importantly for others.

Have a great day and great week ahead.

Until next time ..... your friend, Bill

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