The FDNY-Firefighters Association continued a longstanding tradition in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Monday by honoring their brethren who perished during 9/11.
Hundreds of uniformed FDNY personnel stood at attention as they gathered on West 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue just before the start of the iconic march celebrating Irish culture. They prepared to each take an American flag in hand, which, according to President of FDNY-Firefighters Association Andrew Ansbro, represented the 343 firefighters lost during the September 11 terror attacks.
“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,” Ansbro said. “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 tradition began in 2002 by Firefighter Richie Schmidt to honor the lost. This year, Schmidt himself is hospitalized with his own battle with a 9/11-related illness, leaving his two sons to carry on the message this year.
Mayor Eric Adams also joined the ceremony, offering his gratitude to the first responders and their sacrifices.
“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,” Adams said. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice here and this tradition is so important, because oftentimes when you move away from the tragedy, we tend to get that tragedy, but we’re still losing firefighters.”
One by one in somber remembrance of the the loss they carry as one department, they took the flags in hand and prepared to march with sorrow and pride in what was otherwise a joyous parade.
