July Editorial: We Support Our Troops

At the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, there were signs that read “We Support Our Troops.” As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day, it seems entirely appropriate to honor our troops who are fighting for the freedom we have come to take for granted.

It comes as no surprise that each month here at the Fire News we come across stories of firefighters who are wearing another uniform these days, the uniform of one of the armed forces serving our country at home and abroad. Many of these brave men and women grew up serving their communities, and it comes as no surprise that they have extended their commitment to a larger community, the United States of America.

No matter how one feels politically about our involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world, we are dedicated to supporting the men and women in uniform, not the ones who make the decisions, but those who have to carry them out, those who answer the call to duty. We should remember that the patron saint of firefighters, St. Florian, was a soldier serving in a foreign land.

To honor our troops, the Fire News is going to present a special exhibit at the various shows we attend, showing photographs of firefighters and EMS workers who are serving their country. We also plan to run a special feature in upcoming issues of the newspaper and on our website, telling the story of those who sacrifice to keep us free. If any of our readers wish to contribute to these features, please send the photo and story to chuck@firenews.com.

After all, it’s the least we can do to support our troops.