May 4th International Firefighters Day

My son is a firefighter/paramedic, so this is a very important day for his profession. It takes a very strong-minded person to go into a fire, put their life on the line to save, not only people, but pets and possessions. They are mentally prepared for what is on the inside of a burning building, where we are running to get out, they are running to get in. They do not fear fire, they respect it and live to control it. Imagine running into a fire for someone you do not know, could you put your life on the line? Whether anyone is in the house or not, they sometimes enter a house to find the hot-spots. They are my heroes. Thank one today! I say “Thank You!”

Today, May 4th, is International Firefighters Day.

May 4 is the feast day of St Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. St Florian was the first known commander of one firefighting squad in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, as well as those of his colleagues, for protecting the same humane ideas which firefighters all over the world share even today.

International Firefighters’ Day is a day to show support for all firefighters worldwide, remember those lost or injured in the line of duty, and say thank you to all of our firefighters!

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society – be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice – no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy – fire – no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”
– Lt JJ Edmondson, 1999

Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property. Sometimes that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered over many years, in others it is many selfless years working in the industry. In all cases it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life.

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on 4th May. On this date you are invited to remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. At the same time, we can show our support and appreciation to the firefighters world-wide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year.

By proudly wearing and displaying blue and red ribbons pinned together or by participating in a memorial or recognition event, we can show our gratitude to firefighters everywhere.

The IFFD ribbons are linked to colors symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colors also are internationally recognized as representing emergency service.

http://www.firefightersday.org/