In a poignant tribute during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the FDNY and Firefighters Association honored their fallen comrades who perished on 9/11. As hundreds of uniformed FDNY personnel stood at attention on West 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, the solemn atmosphere belied the festive spirit of the iconic march celebrating Irish culture. Each firefighter prepared to grasp an American flag, a symbolic gesture representing the 343 firefighters lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
President of the FDNY-Firefighters Association, Andrew Ansbro, spoke poignantly about the significance of this tradition. He emphasized, “These flags represent the 343 firefighters that were lost on 9/11 but also all the firefighters we continue to lose since then. The number of firefighters that have passed since 9/11 is now 395. We’ve lost two more in the last few days, and the numbers continue to grow. This tradition of carrying flags up 5th Avenue reminds New Yorkers of the sacrifice of the FDNY and that although we’re moving on, we still continue to suffer.”
The roots of this touching tradition can be traced back to 2002 when Firefighter Richie Schmidt initiated the practice to honor those lost on 9/11. This year, Schmidt, battling a 9/11-related illness, was unable to partake, passing the torch to his two sons to carry on the legacy.
Joining the solemn ceremony was Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed his gratitude to the first responders and their unwavering sacrifices. Adams remarked, “I want to thank all the men and women of the FDNY for not only giving it all on the day of that tragedy, but constantly reminding us how so many people sacrificed so much. They gave the ultimate sacrifice here, and this tradition is so important because oftentimes when you move away from the tragedy, we tend to forget that we’re still losing firefighters.”
Amidst the exuberance of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the firefighters marched with a mixture of solemn remembrance and pride, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the FDNY.
While the parade carried on with its vibrant displays of Irish culture and festivities, the silent procession of firefighters bearing the American flags served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the FDNY. As the onlookers cheered and clapped, the somber procession wove its way through the bustling streets of New York City, a poignant symbol of remembrance and respect for those who gave their lives in service to others. The legacy of the fallen firefighters lives on in the hearts of their comrades and the grateful citizens they swore to protect.
