September 24, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Area Agencies Readying for Memorial to Honor New York Firefighters & Police

As heavy gusts of morning wind blew the blue field of stars and red and white stripes of a 50-foot American flag under the extended ladders of two fire department trucks, one couldn’t help but be affected by the semblance of the moment.

The nation’s fire service, possibly more than any other safety agency, remains in stunned mourning from the events of September 11, 2001. That day, more than 300 New York City firefighters, rushing to aid the victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers, appear to have died in the still smoldering rubble of the twin towers.

Today in Shreveport firefighters are preparing for Tuesday evenings Memorial service that will pay respects to those firefighters and police officers killed geographically half a country away but whose memory can be found as close as each of their individual hearts. In what is sure to be a visually striking display, tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. hundreds of area firefighters and law enforcement officers, led by a bag pipe corps and honor guard, are set to march from Cotton Street, passing under the ladders and the waving symbol of freedom, and into the auditorium. The magnitude of the memorial service is being called unprecedented in the area by some. " This is something that you will want to bring you children to, because God willing it will never have to be duplicated again," said Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran.

Inside the auditorium, Shreveport Symphony members’ stage hands could be seen setting up for tomorrow’s performance scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. - they will also perform a selection during the service. Patriotic lighting, another flag, and rear projection screen that will display the now famous picture of the New York City firefighters raising the American Flag will serve as the backdrop for the program. Centenary College’s award winning choir is also scheduled to perform. Both Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower and Bossier City Mayor George Dement will orate a public proclamation recognizing the fallen heros. From the Shreveport Fire Department, we sincerely hope that your readers, viewers, listeners, as well as you and your own families are able to attend. Keel radio, 710 A.M., will broadcast the event live.

Event breakdown summary:

5:00 p.m. - Shreveport Symphony will begin playing

5:15 p.m. - Firefighter and Police Processional March from 800 Cotton Street to Elvis Presley Ave. into Municipal Auditorium

5:30 p.m. - Memorial Service begins

6:30 p.m. - Memorial Service ends

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