Why We Stand

Each year, on the anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department in Bigfork Montana holds a memorial vigil to remember the fire, rescue, emergency medical, and law enforcement personnel who responded to the calls for help on September 11th.  In particular, this memorial honors the courage of 343 heroic New York City firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice to save thousands of lives in the World Trade Center.

In front of the Ferndale Fire Hall, a lone firefighter stands watch throughout the day holding an American flag draped from a pike pole. The first watch begins at 6:46am Mountain Time, when the first plane struck the World Trade Center.  The vigil continues until after dark. One firefighter, standing alone, symbolizes the individual sacrifices that were made that terrible day – 343 individual stories of personal sacrifice, 343 families forever changed, 343 reasons to never forget.

This year, the neighboring Bigfork Fire Department also held a similar Vigil in front of its Fire Hall.

Montana’s firefighters reach out in this personal way to honor New York’s bravest.

We Stand Together.  We Will NEVER Forget

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