From a memorial service in Merced a speech given by Captain Mark Akers. In creating this site I asked Captain Akers if he had a copy of his speech, specifically the prelude or lead in, his reply "I had no intention of giving that speech when I stood up there, but I felt the need to say what others were not, I felt the need to say what everyone was thinking but no one was saying..." Captain Akers spoke from the heart, and what came out was the collective thoughts and feelings of the nation.
Captain Mark Akers
"I would like to pray for those lost in the fire service, those in law enforcement, and for those in the emergency medical services . But at this time, I possess a righteous fury! This action has just transformed our nation from one of sadness, to hopefully one of justice! I know that we are here praying for those who are lost, our comrades, and the sorrow runs deep. But right now, so does this righteous fury! I'm trembling in my boots with fury at this very moment! I pray also for those in our military service, who are about lay their lives on the line for us, to right this terrible wrong. We are a great nation! We are a strong nation! And we will come through this as proud American's! Those that committed this great wrong will pay. They will pay dearly for what they have done."
I have a prayer to read, it is the Fireman's Prayer. It is to honor those who have come and gone from this great tragedy, it is heartfelt.
"When I am called to duty God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save some life,
whatever be it's age.
Let me embrace a little child,
before it is too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that
fate.
Enable me to be alert and to hear the weakest
shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I must fill my calling and give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect their property.
And if according to your will,
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand,
my family and my wife."
With the fire service we have another tradition that relates to the bell. Tradition tells us that the life of a firefighter is closely associated with the ringing of the bell. As he begins his tour of duty it is the bell that starts it off, and so is it day and night, each alarm that is sounded by a bell that calls him to fight fire and place his life in jeopardy for the good of his fellow man. Whenever the fire goes out and the alarm has come to close, the bell rings three times to signal the end. Now our fallen brothers with the fire department in New York have completed their tasks, their duties well behind and the bell rings three to signal they have completed their tour of duty and are at rest, at home.