When should they hold the Memorial?

[Mike Watson]

I just finished reading on the IAFF website that our union leaders are trying to decide when to reschedule the FDNY Memorial Service. It sounds to me like they want to have it right after the new Mayor takes office January 1.

A lot of fire fighters from my local have gone to New York to attend funerals and memorials and have talked to quite a few FDNY fire fighters. Those we have talked to have said that they think it should be held after the recovery operation is over and they seem to think the families of the fallen fire fighters feel the same way.

If that's what they want, I think that's how it ought to be, even though that is likely to be months from now.

What do you think? What would you want if it was your department? What would your family want if it was you?

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

In my opinion...

The date of the memorial for the Fallen Heroes of the FDNYshould be set by a concensus of the families, the UFOA and the UFA. They in turn will let the IAFF and the City know that they are ready.

[Adze39]

It should be when the family and firefighters are ready...not when the politicians are ready.

[MetalMedic]

I think it would be a hollow memorial to have it while knowing that those you are remembering are still being removed from the scene. I agree with the previous posts, this was a national tragedy... but the firefighters and police officers who died are the Brothers and Sisters of the FDNY & NYPD, and the "families" of these people are the ones that need to decide when they are ready to mourn their lost loved ones at a public service.

[ 11-17-2001: Message edited by: MetalMedic ]

[IJHumberson]

I agree with some of the previous posts - let the FDNY and the families of the fallen and still missing decide when it is right to hold a memorial. It just doesn't seem right to have the memorial while the recovery effort is still going on.

[Smoke286]

The IAFF locals that represent the FDNY ARE the friends and family of the fallen firefighters in NY, just as much as their real ones, and if they say we wait, we wait. Sorry if it inconvieniences you in any way.