Originally posted by Scootter
Ex USAF Firefighter here and my vote is no,
Firemen will always do the job, some will die, and no statue is required.
Our troops, police, firefighters, Americans all, and are remembered as a group and honored that way.
To many heroes past, present and future to honor with a statue. One memorial for all as they all died with honor and together.
Scooter, you are so correct but that is exactly why there needs to be a separate memorial. Yes, firemen will always do their job. Yes, policemen, like the ones in LA in the 44 minutes incident, will do their job. But, that job involves risk to life and limb for the benefit of strangers. How many people were saved because first responders got them out? Who knows exactly but it has to be thousands. And that's just in the WTC.
You know what happens when cops and firefighters hesitate. People die, usually innocent people. i.e. look at the Columbine argument as an example.
A memorial to the actions of those true heroes is not for them. NO tribute could ever suffice. A memorial is for the surviving members of the society that they died trying to protect. A memorial is needed so that there will constantly be inspiration to and affirmation of sacrifice for the benefit of others. To insure that there will always be heroes here, willing to do the hard things.
It's what sets us apart, I think. And you are of course correct, They do not do it to get praise, or raises, or medals, or statues. But, I look at it more for the future than for the posthuminous accolades. Look at all the military memorials there are, WORLDWIDE. I see this as no differenet, and indeed, even more impelling than a military memorial (and I'm a guy who looses it at the sound of TAPS).
Some of the most emotionally compelling photographs I have ever seen were:
a) the flag in the rubble of the Murrah Building, put there by first responders soon after their arrival, and
b) the firemen raising the American flag above the rubble at the WTC, soon after their arrival.
c) the flag draped over the side of the Pentagon
Those pictures say to the world, in the midst of terrible devasation and suffereing, "THIS NATION WILL SURVIVE"
The reason we will survive is becuase of the unselfish willingness toward self-sacrifice of those heroes that planted those flags.
Oh well, I guess I'll never understand the egalitarian concept. But I can't help wondering if those who preach the egalitarian concept could do so if there weren't those walking amoung us willing to die to protect their eglitarian necks!
