♪ ♪ >> Welcome to this special edition of the Big Picture.

I'm Libby Wallace.

We are live at the Charleston Coliseum for special coverage of the public memorial service in honor of the nine firefighters tragica It is a solemn day in Charleston, but there's been an outpouring of support from the Charleston community and across the country as well.

People have been lining up here all morning long to attend the public service.

The doors actually opened at 8:30 and representatives are expecting thousands of people.

There also have been a sea of red, white and blue hats.

Some 3,100 representatives from police unions throughout the United States and Canada are here to pay their respects.

Let's go inside as this public memorial gets underway.

♪ What you're seeing right now is inside the North Charleston Coliseum.

You can see people still milling about.

Let me tell you a little bit about the service, itself.

It's more or less a set protocol when it comes to observances like this.

What we can expect in just a few minutes is a processional.

It will start off with the family members.

They will be flanked by honor guards.

After that, we will have City of Charleston officials followed by the firefighters throughout the country.

The honor guards will be present alongside both aisles and of course, special attention is being given to the families because this is a public tribute for them and for their husbands who gave their service.

You're seeing a little bit there of the many, many firefighters who are represented, as I said, throughout not only the United States but Canada as well.

♪ Now, an interesting part of this service, we'll also hear from the pipe and drum corps.

Now this is a very special pipe and drum corps because they play at each funeral for the 343 firefighters who were killed on 9/11.

They are also a part of today's service.

They are 35 members and part of the New York City Fire Department 789, the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Bagpipe.

They took a 15-hour drive to get here tonight.

Now this is a close-up shot of the stage, itself.

Now, they have the coffins of the men arranged starting with the captains on the right.

Of course, we're seeing the many officials here.

There's Governor Mark Sanford along with Michael Chertoff.

The coffins, themselves, are lined with the captains at the end with the red hats followed by the other members.

You can see the pictures of the men beside the coffins.

Now this is a memorial service.

This is not the actual funeral, itself.

Those funerals will begin tomorrow and run through the rest of the weekend.

I think we have heard the fire chief talk about the many, many years of service that these men represented up to 130 years of service in all.

And when we're talking about those men, we're talking about civic leaders.

We had some, of course that were coaches.

One, I believe, was a stagehand.

They were really involved in all parts of their community.

Now, if there isn't enough room in the coliseum, itself, officials have made room for other people in the adjoining buildings.

There are jumbo-trons set up outside, and as you enter, you can see the jumbo-tron.

They have a huge American flag.

Now the honor guard is beginning to stand up.

[ speaker begins the ceremony] >> On behalf of the Charleston Fire Department, Mayor Joe Riley and the city of Charleston and the entire state of South Carolina, we extend our heartfelt thanks for the tremendous outpouring of support you have shown in this time of tragedy.

This morning, we are here united as one to honor these nine individuals who will forever be remembered as serving others with dignity and dedication and who paid the supreme sacrifi At this time, we will honor the families and as the families process in, we will sing the national anthem and have the invocation.

[ calling of the colors ] ♪ [ bagpipes play ] ♪ [ bagpipes play ] ♪ ♪ ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] ♪ [ bagpipes and drums play ] >> Drum Sergeant.

Pipes down!

[single drum beat] [ drums beating ] >> Forward march.

[ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ drums beating ] [ orchestra plays over the drums beating ] ♪ [ orchestra plays over the drums beating ] ♪ [ orchestra plays over the drums beating ] ♪ [ orchestra plays over the drums beating ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] >> What we're now seeing are the families getting ready to begin the processional.

As I said earlier, the families are being escorted by honor guards from firefighters throughout the country.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ Of course the red hat symbolizes the captain.

That is the honor guard that you're seeing right now that is in front of the coffins.

♪ They're waiting now for the family to begin the processional.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] Making their way at the front aisle are members of the Charleston Fire Departments.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ >> They, of course, are devastat of such close members because it and tight firefighter community.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] >> This, of course, is the worst disaster for firefighters since 9/11.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] As the family gets ready to enter, there's not going to be one very poignant part of the ceremony itself and that is the ringing of the memorial bell.

This is a very emotional time, some of the firefighters say, because that bell mirrors what are called ringout tones.

That's a time when a bell rings at firehouses when everyone returns from duty.

So the bell actually will ring at the end of the service.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ >> You can see members of the public who are surrounding the stage area.

The family is beginning its processional.

♪ So many families, so many children.

And if you talk to the firefighters, they are the ones that say it's really the families who suffer in tragedies like this because they are the ones that are left to carry on.

♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Families are still filing into this staging area.

♪ ♪ I think the Charleston paper headlines kind of summed it up best today.

in big black banner headlines.

They proclaimed it a solemn day in Charleston.

♪ ♪ Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says it is a somber day, but so sorrowful time as well, but that he has received incredi from not only people in South Carolina, the country, but literally throughout the world.

He said the city will work through this and that.

He has received cards, letters and emails from all over wishing the city its best.

♪ ♪ And you know, if you go to any fire station in the Charleston area, you'd see so many makeshift memorials, flowers, cards.

There really has been an outpouring of compassion and support.

I think as the mayor said, everyone knows a firefighter.

♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ You see all the faces of the many firefighters and emergency personnel from throughout the country.

You know, the ceremony itself actually got underway early this morning.

A procession of fire vehicles left downtown Charleston, and they slowly made its way to the convention center.

There's a caravan of about.

Oh, I guess about 150 fire trucks.

And there were literally people from throughout Charleston lining the thoroughfares with flags and signs saying we love you and waving and showing their support for these young men.

♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] We're looking at the families of these heroic men who so tragically lost their lives.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ And those many shirts of blue and white that we are seeing represent some 3100 firefighting units and firefighting unions throughout the country.

♪ ♪ And Canada, as well.

♪ ♪ And if you're outside the Coliseum, you will see bus after bus after bus.

And of course, many of them traveled many, many hours to pay tributes to their own.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] And as the families file past, I think you can see the emotion that everyone is feeling.

As people were filing into the Coliseum at South, they were handing out tissues and the firemen were taking it.

The public were taking them.

And of course, one can't even imagine how difficult it is for the families at this time.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Again, family members continue to file into the Coliseum.

♪ ♪ Now, right in front of the stage area are the nine coffins.

They are wrapped, of course, in the American flag.

And standing by are honor guards.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] The hats, of course, symbolize the fallen firefighters.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Of course.

The music that you are hearing is the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ You know, as we talked to many people who were coming into the service today, they said they wanted to be a part of this tribute, that these men had meant so much to the community.

Many of them knew family members personally and thought it was very importan to show support for the firefighters at this time.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ And you know one thing we have heard over and over, as we have talked to many firefighters throughout the state, is that firefighting is what they say, a vocation, that it's not about the money.

It's about people who believe in helping others and making a difference and who believe in the mission.

And I think these men all exemplify that.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Family members are still being escorted in, and Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas says his department is probably holding up as well as expected.

And he said these men represented much, much more than just a badge number.

That Charleston has lost members of the community.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] These men represented over 130 years of service to the public.

You had 30 year veterans, 32 year veterans.

♪ ♪ And, of course, the fire chief says that these firefighters will need the support of the community for a long, long time to heal.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Family members are paying their respects.

You know, people were standing along Calhoun and Spring Street this morning and the Savannah Highway.

♪ ♪ And almost a parade of faces, signs ♪ ♪ saying how much they appreciate these young man men who so tragically lost their lives.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] We will be hearing later from the mayor of Charleston who calls is the worst tragedy Charleston has ever endured.

♪ ♪ He says, Hugo, there was only one life lost.

But of course, nine lives were tragically taken in this fire.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] More family members are being es by honor guards.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ And you know, I mentioned the Pipe and Drum Corps that played at the funeral for the firefighters that were killed on 9/11.

They'll be playing in just a little bit, Amazing Grace.

And also at the end, their concluding tune is very, very poignant as the hearses are led away.

It's a traditional Irish pipe tune called, appropriately enough, "Going Home".

♪ ♪ Here we're seeing the honor guard proceeding in.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ And we have all kinds of dignitaries throughout South Carolina and the country as well.

Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security, is here.

Of course, we see the governor, Mark Sanford, on the podium as well.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ The remaining family members are paying their respects at this time.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Of course, you can see the emotion being displayed in the faces.

Not only the family members, but the public and the firefighters as well.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ Help me Jesus!

Help me Jesus!

♪ ♪ And what has to be a very difficult and emotional time.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ I believe we are ready for the presentation of colors as the memorial service gets underway.

[ orchestra plays ] [ music ends ] (silence) (silence) (silence) (silence) (silence) [Choir sings Star Spangled Banne ♪ by the dawn's early ♪ light ♪ ♪ what so proudly we held ♪ ♪ at the twilight's ♪ last gleaming ♪ ♪ whose broad stripes ♪ and bright stars ♪ ♪ through the perilous fight ♪ ♪ o'er the ram parts we ♪ watched ♪ ♪ were so gallantly streaming ♪ ♪ And the rocket's red glare, ♪ ♪ gave proof through the night ♪ ♪ that our flag was still ♪ there ♪ ♪ oh, say does that star spangle ♪ ♪ o'er the land of the free ♪ ♪ and the home of the ♪ ♪ brave ♪ ♪ Of the brave.

♪ [ presentation of colors ] >> Remain standing.

Let us pray together.

Heavenly father, we come to you as your children.

Needing your arms around us, needing your loving care.

We particularly lift up these nine families.

Be with them now, we pray because the only way they can make it through this time is through you.

And relying on your spirit.

Touch them and hold them up.

We also lift up Chief Rusty and all the personnel of this fire department, and also the fire departments throughout the country that are affected by this.

Hold them, Lord, close to your ever loving presence in your arms.

Let us not stray from you, because it's only in you that we can get through this time.

Let us now.

Thank you, Lord, for this time of worship.

And grief we know that you meet us and we need meeting right now.

Bring us your peace.

The peace that you promise that passes all understanding in your holy and blessed name we pray.

Amen.

You may be now be seated.

>> As I begin, I wish to thank all of you who are here and all who work so hard to quickly and wonderfully organize this very important opportunity for all of us to come together today.

I also wish to thank all of the fire departments from throughout this region who came to assist Monday night, and the fire departments who are currently manning the City of Charleston fire stations, so that every one of our firefighters can be here with their fallen brethren.

On behalf of the grief stricken citizens of Charleston.

And I know from the telephone calls and emails and letters from around our country and witness to national representation here today, on behalf of all of those, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of our nine heroes.

Captain Mike Mancke, Captain Louis Mulkey, Captain Billy Hutchinson, Captain Louis Mulkey, engineer Brad Baity, and engineer Mark Kelsey, assistant engineer Michael French, firefighter Melvin Champaign, firefighter James Earl Drayton, firefighter Brandon Thompson to their families and friends and loved ones, of these dear heroes who died in the line of duty in our city Monday night.

They did what they and every firefighter is prepared to do.

Every day.

They put on their badge to risk their life and if necessary to give their life to make their community safe.

Fire fighters charge into dangerous places when the natural human instinct is to flee rapidly.

Why?

Why do they rush into smoke filled, intensely burning buildings?

Why?

To defeat their only enemy fire, property destroying, injury causing and yes, death, death causing fire.

And they do it often, and they're prepared to do it on every call, every day.

And they do it bravely and successfully.

And the stories are always so am They represent acts of heroism every time.

This is not an uncommon story.

An apartment fire, carpet and furniture, very flammable, black with smoke on arrival, no electricity.

The neighbors report there may be someone inside.

They're not sure.

The firefighter goes in intense heat, hundreds of degrees.

Oxygen has been removed completely by the fuel of the fire.

They crawl on their hands and knees.

In total blackness, feeling reaching for an arm or finger.

And then they feel a leg.

The child is unconscious, swept into the firefighters arms.

They're upstairs.

He goes to a window, knocks out the window.

The ladder is there.

The child is handed to safely.

The child lives and another firefighter goes back in.

"Why do they go into burning buildings?

", people ask.

Because their profession and their experience and their training and their instinct tells them they must.

Lives are to be saved, fire to be extinguished before in flames.

And next, the building next door.

Our whole neighbor.

And that was in the minds Monday night of every firefighter at that scene, and in the hearts and minds of these nine fallen heroes, it was their calling.

It was their training.

It was their duty.

And unflinchingly, without hesitation, with extreme courage, they did.

What kind of unusual people were these nine men?

And are their fellow firefighters?

I'll tell you, they are public servants of the highest order.

They want to serve.

They want to help.

They want to save and they want to protect.

They are humble, so very humbled at award ceremonies.

Every time they will be read.

An incredible account of the details of courage, the bravery and skill.

And the award is given to the firefighter and then the acceptance response is softly spoken.

They appear embarrassed by the attention.

They were only doing what they were trained to do, what they want to do, to serve, to help people, to do their duty.

These nine men and their colleagues are the people who we would want living to watch next door, to be our friend, the neighbor you would want your child to know and watch and be inspired by.

The kind of person whose simple hello, of wave of hand across the street, makes you feel better.

Their goodness.

So transfer and they serve not just as a firefighter.

Because of that, quality of service is so central to their being.

They serve schools, they serve recreation centers, they serve as football coaches and basketball coaches.

They serve churches and neighborhoods.

Their lives become quiet, inspirational models of service and kindness and good citizenship.

And these nine heroes and their colleagues loved their chief, Rusty Thomas.

He is the best.

And they knew it.

And they were so proud and honored to serve with him.

Rusty Thomas was born in a firefighting family.

His father, retired Assistant Chief Russell Thomas, was revered in the Charleston Fire Department.

I call chief retired Chief Russell Thomas Monday night from the scene.

I told him, I said Chief Thomas, I have been watching the best example of leadership I have ever, or will ever see President Kennedy described courage, his grace under pressure.

And that's what I watched in Chief Rusty Thomas Monday night.

Chief Thomas joined the fire department when he was 18.

He was a scholar athlete in high school.

He was recruited by colleges, but all he ever wanted to be was a firefighter.

And at age 32, he became our chief and led this Department to a class one rating.

Only 36 departments in all of our country out of 88,000, have this designation.

Rusty... never leaves town except to see Trey, a junior at The Citadel, play baseball, is usually back that night he will go to visit Carol, his dear wife's family, a couple of hours away during the day.

A few times during the year, the only time Rusty Thomas leaves Charleston is to go to either Ohio or Wisconsin to pick up a new fire engine, and with his dad, retired Chief Russell Thomas, he personally drives the fire truck back to Charleston.

He's on duty all the time.

Chief Thomas, we did not think it was possible for us to love, respect and admire you more.

And you shown that it is Monday night.

Captain Mike Benke, Captain Billy Hutchinson, Captain Louis Mulkey, engineer Brad Baity, engineer Mark Kelsey, assistant engineer Michael French, firefighter Melvin Champaign firefighter James Earl Drayton, firefighter Brandon Thompson entered a burning building on Savannah Highway and while so courageously, bravely and skillfully and heroically fighting a raging fire were taken from us and instantly they entered eternal life where they will in incomprehensible peace wait for us.

As they entered that building, they walked into the pages of history of our community.

These unassuming, humble, kind and brave men will now and always be historic figures, and we will find ways to honor them.

They will never be forgotten, and their service will never end, because they have touched and moved us and made us better.

When they entered that building, they gave us now, and those who follow us, local, the person next door is an example of how to lead our lives, and we will never be the same.

No, we may not be firefighters, but the lessons that were even more about life they gave us, about courage and duty and service.

They inspire us today.

They will inspire this community and all the days to come.

All the while, all the while they are resting in eternal peace.

>> Words are such an incomplete substitute.

For the emotion that I feel in this coliseum.

Words will never capture the level of grief that families and friends and firefighters have felt here in Charleston over this last week.

And yet, it's what some of us are left with.

And so I stand before you on behalf of every South Carolinian simply saying that we are so sorry that we grieve for you.

We grieve with you.

And above all else, we lift you up in prayer.

No matter what I say, the reality is that come Sunday supper, some dads that would have been there aren't going to be home.

Some $2 haircuts that would have taken place there at the station, won't happen.

There are going to be empty lock They're going to be coaches missing from the playing fields of the Charleston area.

Hunter would have been looking forward to some fishing trips that won't happen.

Kimberley won't go on that cruise that would have occurred this weekend.

Rachel won't get to plan that wedding that was going to happen out at Folly in October.

Because the reality is, we got to remember here, as it's been stated earlier, that.

This is the largest loss within the firefighting community since 9/11.

And in the wake of that kind of tragedy, of that kind of proportion, we got to ask, what's it all mean?

And where do we go from here?

And I don't think any of us can fully answer right now what it all means.

I don't know why my dad got a terminal illness when I was in high school.

I don't know why a former roommate of mine was killed years back.

But what I do know is that there is a loving God out there who brings purpose to every good or bad thing that happens here in this life, and his purpose will one day be revealed, but not yet.

Which brings me to this larger question of where we go from here.

Because when you look at these nine caskets here before us, where I think we got to go from here is to live in lives that would in some way glorify the life that they indeed lived.

You know, for the way that each one of these men lived and ultimately died, they served as an inspiration, as Joe was just saying to my Jenny's four boys, to y'all's kids, to your grandchildren, to each one of us as individuals, which I think would at some point cause us to ask, Will we live a life that inspires?

Or put another way, in light of the faces here on these, boards that you see before you, how should we then live?

And I got three quick thoughts on that front.

I'd say number one, as you look at each one of these nine caskets and the names that Joe just called out just a moment ago, I would ask that we walk out of this place committed to living.

You know, I think the reality that is underscored with this event on Monday night is that life is fragile and it's precious and it's fleeting.

We all know that, but what we don't know is what happens between the dots.

Because on every one of our tombstones and on their tombstones, there's a starting date with a couple of dots and a finishing date with a couple of dots.

And the question of all of our lives is what happens there between the dots.

It's for that reason that I've always loved there in the movie Braveheart, when William Wallace turns to some fellow Scotsman and says, simply, remember that every man must die, but not every man gets to live.

Forbes magazine captured that same concept a number of years back there on the cover.

When Malcolm Forbes died, it simply read while alive he lived.

And I think that you could put t on every one of these man's tombstones, because you don't make a living fighting fire and live it half speed.

The Bible says, be hot, be cold, but don't be lukewarm.

And yet, here we are, we live in the age of whatever.

And these were not whatever kind of guys.

They were fully engaged in life, gave their lives, being engaged in that life.

Which begs this larger question of how should we then live?

I'd secondly say, Will we serve others?

You don't become a part of the firefighting force.

To make a whole lot of money.

You do it because you see it as a chance to leverage your short time here on planet Earth to help other people.

And it turns out there's an amazing wisdom to that, because the only things that ultimately have meaning, meaning in this life are the things that you can't see, the things that you can't feel, the things that you can't touch, things like love or courage, both of which were exhibited on Monday night.

Things like service or sacrifice, which were exhibited long before Monday night.

Once again, it seems to me that they leave us with a charge of based on the way that they incorporate these things into their lives, will we?

And finally, I simply say, based on these nine caskets before you.

Will we commit to acting on belief?

Will we actually have a value system that drives our behaviors and what we do in life?

Because who we are crucially depends on what we're willing to stand up for in life.

In short, are we willing to walk the walk because all the greats throughout history share that common denominator of being able and being willing to walk the walk in life.

MacArthur talked about honor and duty and country, and he arranged his life in such a way that he walked the walk on this very themes.

The Marines talk about Semper Fi of always being faithful, and I will guarantee you, if there is a firefight in Fallujah tonight, there will be a Marine standing tall because he knows it's a part of the core values of what he is about, that he is always faithful to that man, to his left, for man to his right.

The Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, or sacred honor.

On this notion of founding a country, and if it had gone south, they all would have lost their lives.

They literally walk the walk in what they believed.

And as Joe has already stated, we now have nine more folks for the history rolls here in Charleston, nine great heroes whose lives were here to celebrate.

because on Monday, when the critical moment of their lives came, the critical test, if you will, amid frightening flame and smoke and heat that would really test whether or not they really walked the walk in a value system that would either compel them toward the flame or away from it.

Each one answered the call quite literally, they walked their walk right into the company of angels and the Heaven's Gate, and the question that they leave us with is, will we?

I think that we're going to have the whole of our lives to answer these questions.

We'll have this day and this wee to try and honor the lives of each one of these men.

It's my prayer that God will give us the strength to do both.

[ Song: Angels Among us] ♪ I was walking home ♪ from school ♪ on a cold winter day.

I took a shortcut through the woods.

And I lost my way.

It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.

And a kind old man took my hand, and he led me home.

Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.

I know in my heart it was the answer to my prayers.

Oh, I believe there are angels above us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live.

To teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

When life had troubled times it had me down on my knees.

I know there'll always been someone right there to comfort me A small tale from a stranger to lend a helping hand.

A phone call from a friend just to say I understand.

Now a'int it kind of funny.

at the dark end of the road someone likes to wait with just a single ray of hope.

Oh, oh I believe there are angels above us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live.

To teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places.

To grace us with their mercies, in our time of need.

I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

To guide us with the light of love.

(music fades) >> To the families, friends and comrades of the fallen firefighters.

On behalf of the president of the United States, my colleagues at the Department of Homeland Security, my family and myself, I'd like to express my deepest condolences for all those who lost loved ones in the line of duty on Monday.

I know the Charleston Fire Department, the residents of the city of Charleston and the people of South Carolina, all Americans across the country, deeply feel this loss and pray for the families of the fallen.

This tragedy, which is the nation's deadliest disaster for firefighters from September 11th, reminds us of the vital role of first responders and their courage and selflessness acting to ensure the safety and security of the American people.

It is true, and it is remarkable that when every human instinct sends the rest of us running away from a fire or a disaster, firefighters and emergency responders run towards the fire and into the disaster, and the nine brave men who lost their lives earlier this week were no exception.

They demonstrated the same bravery our nation witnessed on September 11th, when firefighters rushed into burning and collapsing buildings to save complete strangers.

This commitment to put one's own life at risk to help others at a moment's notice, has been the hallmark of first responders and firefighters for centuries, and it is carried on by everyone who wears the uniform and answers the call to service.

Tragically, we lost nine heroes this week, but because of their courage in the face of overwhelming danger, others were saved.

The tragedy of Monday reminds us that we live in a world in which danger is all around us, from accidents to natural disasters to deliberate acts of terror.

And in every case, firefighters are on the frontlines protecting our country and our communities from these things.

Whatever the challenge, our firefighters answered the call to serve something greater than themselves and, if necessary, to make the supreme sacrifice of giving their lives as these brave men did, and all in order to ensure that others may live.

Today we mourn their loss.

Pray for their families and stand in awe, knowing that there are thousands of men and women just like these nine fallen heroes who stand ready to put service above self and even life.

The president has asked me to deliver a personal message on his behalf, and I quote, I send condolences to those gathered to honor the firefighters of Charleston, South Carolina, who gave their lives to protect their community.

Today, we remember the courage and faithful service of these nine extraordinary Americans who put the safety of their fellow citizens before their own.

These men accepted the responsibilities of a noble calling, and their willingness to sacrifice for others demonstrated the true meaning of heroism.

Our nation is grateful for these brave public servants who have inspired us with their selfless dedication and valor.

Laura and I join Americans across the country in praying for the families and friends of these honorable men.

Each of the fallen will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the memory of our country.

God bless you all.

>> Well, where do I start?

All week long.

People have been asking me.

How are you doing?

How are you holding up?

And I say, if I can get past the first part of this speech and get to talking about them, I will be fine.

So if I don't make it past the first part, you won't hear the second part.

For the past 120 years, the firefighters, the City of Charleston Fire Department have provided the faithful and courageous service to its citizens.

I'm proud to be a fourth generation firefighter serving in the department for 31 years and the chief for 15.

In my opinion, it is not a tight knit community around in the United States, like the citizens of Charleston.

The outpouring of support this week has been awesome, and we thank you more than you'll ever know.

In the city of Charleston, unlike most places in the United States, neighborhood fire stations are truly the centerpiece of our city.

Every single fire station is a place where kids, grandkids, parents, and grandparents visit daily.

Not just because we had a tragedy.

It happens every single day.

In the City of Charleston, Fire Department, you just don't have a badge number.

We don't have badge numbers in the City of Charleston.

Fire Department.

Everybody knows everybody, and I know everybody personally, on a personal basis.

Most of the families I know.

The other night, Chief Mullen from the police department said.

Is there anybody that you don't know when you were trying to find the families?

and I said, no, sir.

That's a part of my job is to know each member.

besides just being a number and hiring the person.

Each member of the fire department, I know personally, out of these nine a hired six.

I promoted every single one of them to their rank.

Monday, June 18th is the day that our city will never forget.

Never.

We lost nine of the bravest men doing what they love to do best.

Fight fire!

Those guys were the best.

These men represented.

I want you to listen to this.

These men represented over 130 years of service to the city of Charleston Fire Department, and to the citizens of Charleston.

I didn't say 130 days or 130 years.

Three of them had over 90 years of experience between the three of them.

This is how Rusty Thomas is gonna remember each one of these guys.

I told you I would be okay if I got to this point.

Capt.

Mike Benke, he had family in the fire department since the early 50s and retired in 1965.

Captain Benke.

Benke knew his job and performed it well all the time.

Trained his people all the time.

Was a go getter.

When there was a fire after 29 years on the job, Captain Billy Hutchinson.

My dad, he nicknamed him lightning.

I'm going to tell you why.

It's not because he moved so fast.

My dad said lightning would have to strike around him from to get him to move.

That was Billy Hutchinson.

He would just kind of move around the station until the alarm went off.

And then it was time to go to work.

And Billy Hutchinson went to work all the time.

Let me give you a little piece about Billy Hutchinson.

He did something that a lot of people don't even dream about.

He retired from the city of Charleston, Fire Department, and returned.

He called me.

He said, before I do this, are you sure you're going to hire me back?

He said, because I got to have a job.

And I said, Billy, you already got 28 years.

He said, yep, Chief, I want to continue to work.

And I hired him back, rehired him back.

Captain Louis Mulkey, What a guy.

The Summerville town and community will lose a great, great person.

He meant so much to the kids at Summerville.

From the football to the basketball.

To anything Coach McKissick wanted.

Louis was a substitute teacher at school.

They knew his schedule at the fire department.

When he got off at the fire department, he went to Summerville High School to substitute teach school.

On Monday, the battalion chief on that shift, called me from Louis' station.

Now, Louis thinks his station is the best in the Charleston Fire Department.

He picks on everybody.

He thinks his people are the best trained.

And sometimes you got to calm him down a little bit.

So Chief Joe was talking to me on the phone, and Louis said something smart in the background, which I didn't hear.

And so he hung the phone up.

The phone rang right back, and I looked at it and it said Battalion Chief Ackerman.

And I picked it up and it said.

I said, yes sir, Chief, what you need.

And it was Louis.

You know what he said?

I just want to hear you call me chief one time.

(audience laughs) and hung the phone up.

That was on Monday, and he hung the phone up on me.

Engineer Brad Baity.

Now, let me tell you about this guy.

This guy would go to work on a 24 hour period and wouldn't say ten words.

And if he did say something, you had to say, Brad, would you speak up a little bit?

I can't hear what you're saying.

Brad, knew his job.

Brad was a quiet guy.

They tell me I'm not a very good computer guy, but they tell me Brad was always talking to people all over the world.

So I don't know how they heard him.

I guess he had to email them or something.

We couldn't hear him.

Mark Kelsey.

You know that little Energizer bunny?

That little pink bunny?

That's Mark Kelsey.

Around the station, Mark Kelsey like... Mark Kelsey.

He didn't want to do too much of that sweeping of the floor and all that stuff, cleaning the toilets and checking the truck off like he's supposed to.

All Mark Kelsey wanted to do was fight fire.

That was Mark Kelsey.

He was kind of like a one of them banner rooster when you go to a fire.

He was here, and he was there, and he was there, you know.

And he was only about, you know, you would think the guy is six foot three.

He a'int but about 5'5", you know, Mark Kelsey.

He loved firefighting so much on his part time job.

He worked at Ashley River Fire Department.

For a while, he lived at Ashley worked there two days.

And come work with us one day.

So tell me that guy didn't like firefighting.

Assistant engineer Michael French.

Now, he's only been with me about two years.

Michael French got everybody in the Charleston Fire Department to talk for him to get a job.

He was a member of the Saint Andrews Fire Department.

Everybody from Ben Waring to Brandon Thompson to Richard Waring and everybody.

Every time I see somebody she wants to hire, Michael French Won't you hire Michael French.

Finally, I'll tell you how he got an interview.

My secretary said, Chief, please give Michael French an interview.

He comes up here every day.

He got to the point where he, if he knew I went to my mechanic shop first thing in the morning, he would be next door at the IHOP waiting for me to get out the car.

Chief, you got any openings?

You got any openings?

That was Michael French.

The little story about Michael French.

We had to use one of our reserved trucks the other day.

My mechanic was over there trying to show Michael how to how to, drive the, the, the reserve ladder truck and my mechanic was showing him and I was there watching, and I told Michael, he said, oh, man.

Chief, he's how old is his truck?

I said, it's a 1983 model.

He said, the truck is older than me.

I said, Michael, I know, but he tried and tried.

When he came to the office to get a job.

This is a true story.

I hire everybody.

It doesn't go through my human resource department.

Michael sat in front of me and he didn't want to know about the pay.

He didn't want to know about the insurance.

He could care less.

He just, here was his question.

Hey, Chief, when do I get one of them badges?

I said, Michael, you got to go t I said, you just can't.

I just can't give you a badge.

You got to get trained and all that stuff.

He said, I'm just ready to go.

So he left you know, right by my secretary's desk.

And she said, is he goes sign the papers?

I said, I don't think so.

He's just going on.

He wants a job.

Melvin Champaign [ audience cheers ] >> I'm not going to tell my age, but I went to school with Melvin's cousin, Carl.

There's a street over there on James Island named after the Champaign family.

It's called Champaign Lane, it's right.

I pass it every single day.

Carl called me.

I hadn't heard f when we were in school.

He said, Hey, Rusty.

He said, my cousin Melvin wants a job.

And I said, Well, Carl.

You know, "What kind of job?"

"He wants to be a fireman."

He said, no, let me tell you, no.

You know, you know, I used to ask how old they are and stuff like that.

You want to know what he said, n So I didn't have a clue how old Melvin was.

So I said, well, won't you send him on down to the office, not knowing that Melvin was ever going to come to the office?

I never met Melvin Champaign.

Melvin came to the office.

I mean, he was decked out.

He had on a, I guess you call it a leather hat with a feather sticking out of it.

And he sat down, and he.

This is what he wanted to know.

"Hey, Chief.

"I just, I just want to help people.

"I just want to help somebody.

"That's all."

He said, you fireman, you know.

And I got to thinking, in my min he must be in some kind of trouble or something.

He just needs a job bad.

You know, and I said, I said, Melvin, have you been to have you been to the fire academy?

"No, sir."

I said, "Well, we got to send you to fire academy."

"I'll go."

So he went to the fire academy.

He, graduated from the fire academy.

Come.

Got a job with us.

Go up to the training tower.

I watched them while they were training, I said, Melvin, I said, how are you doing?

"Oh, Chief, I'm doing alright today."

"I'm doing alright today."

I went up there in a couple of days.

"Chief, things ain't going so good today."

That's it.

But every day he come he was decked out.

Even though we were going to work hard and put on protective equipment.

He had on his clothes and he was ready to go to work.

Melvin Champaign.

I took a call the other night, Carl said, you know what, Chief?

He wouldn't have got a job if I didn't call you, right.

I said, that's exactly right.

He wouldn't call.

But you called me, I hired a good person because he wanted to help people.

That was him.

Earl Drayton.

Oh my gosh.

[ applause ] He been in the fire department longer than me.

We came in the fire department together, except he was about a year or so ahead of me.

We worked on Cannon Street together and I got to tell you the story.

This always sticks in my mind.

And I told you before I started, these are the stories If I got to this part of the program, I was going to be okay talking about them, because I love talking about them.

We were sitting back then, we weren't married because we were kind of young, a or 3:00 in the morning at the fire station.

We would never go to bed.

And we got a call one night.

I was a driver.

Earl has never been a driver of the truck.

All he wanted to do was be a fireman.

And I was the driver of the truck.

And I promise you, this is a true story.

1977.

We get a call like 3:00 in the morning for a house fire at Saint Philip and Morris.

So I'd gear around and I crank the truck up and he's hollering, "Rusty, get this thing going."

And I said, "What's the problem?"

I'm going fast.

He said, "That's my house."

And so and it was.

And there was a hot water heater, all fire.

But he wanted me to get this thing.

I mean, he had his head, he'd open up the window.

He said, get this thing going.

And I was going as fast as I can.

I mean, you know, but Earl Drayton retire and return.

He came to me and he, he wanted to retire and return.

He had 30 years on the job.

And I came to the office, same like Billy Hutchinson did.

And I said, yeah, I mean, I'm 56 years old.

I don't want to go nowhere.

I said, well, why don't you do that retire and return thing if you want to do that, are you going to give me a job?

I said, "Yes, I'll give you a job."

And I did.

Now, Earl and Captain Billy and Captain Benke, all of them, you have to understand it, Engine 16 and 19 are in one station.

They own two separate trucks, but one station, the Earl, was in 16.

Captain Billy had an opening in the 19.

You know, you supposed to go thr all this kind of stuff to go from one station to another if you want to go blah, blah, blah.

Well, Earl, you know, he just called me on my cell phone.

Hey, Chief, nobody knows.

But, man, can I go over there next door?

Would Captain Billy Hutchinson.

I said, "You're in the same station with him."

I said, "Well, what's the deal?"

"But I'd sure like to be on the truck with him.

"0 I said, "Are you sure he wants you?"

"Yeah he does.

"We'll make a good team."

"All right.

Go next door.

I'll call Captain Benke" "tell him you're going to be in 19."

Last week I saw Earl over at station 11.

He's sitting in the back.

Now, the ones of you that know, Earl Earl's always got his hand in his pocket.

He's shaking around with what little bit of change he's got.

That's him when he's talking to you.

I don't know if he's lying to you or what.

He's shaking that change.

And he said, "Chief," he said, "Are you going to move me?"

I said, Earl, I said I'm getting ready to move the whole station from bee's ferry road to a new fire station next month.

He said,...I said "listen, as lo department, stay in 19 and you're with captain Billy.

and that's the end of story.

Next day, I get a phone call from Captain Billy.

Hey, Chief, Earl said you're moving me.

[ laughter ] I said, I am.

I'm moving the whole station and you included.

[ laughter ] but that was Earl Drayton.

That's Earl Drayton right there over and over.

Brandon Thompson, Brandon came to me, again, Ben Waring, Richard Waring Brandon is from Summerville.

Worked in the Summerville Fire Department on the job with me.

Brandon came to me for a job and I gave him the job and Brandon, every time he would get a little dribble, he wanted to go out sick.

[ laughter ] Well, back in November, Brandon showed up at the office one day downstairs with his dad.

He's got a cast on his right leg and a set of crutches, and they're waiting on me and I said, what's the problem here?

He said, Chief, I was helping a and the tree fell on my leg and I broke my leg.

I think I'm going to be out three months.

I said, we got a problem.

His dad said, yes sir, we do, Chief.

He ain't [ laughter ] I said Brandon, I'm telling you, [ laughter ] "What you want me to do?

You got a broke leg."

We don't have a lot of one-legged firemen around here.

[ laughter ] He said, "Man, Chief, give me something to do.

Please, give me something to do.

And I did.

I give him a job in my mechanic's shop going around testing fire hydrants.

The other night, his dad would n and he told me that until he brought Brandon out.

He said, Chief, I'm not leaving until you find him and bring him out, and I respect that.

And I did that night and he wanted to know if his son, his other son could help bring Brandon out and we let that happen.

But you know what Mr. Thompson told me, he said you know what, Chief, if you wouldn't have done that for Brandon to try to help him out, I don't know what Brandon would have done with his life, and that was a small thing and you see, all these memories of everybody that I've got, I told you if I made it to this part I would do okay because that's the kind of memories and that's the kind of relationship I have with every single one of these guys and every single one of those guys back there that belong to me.

Every single one of them that I hired or promoted or worked for me or worked for the citizens.

The citizens of Charleston lost nine great people.

They did.

They lost nine great people.

I'm going to tell you and I'm almost done, many of us went to New York after 9/11 and I got a t-shirt and I got home Tuesday morning, On the back of that t-shirt it said, all gave some and some gave all.

And these guys, they didn't give some.

They gave it all.

They gave everything, every single day they went to work.

These brave and courageous men gave it all to our community, every single day.

They gave it all to our community.

These nine guys would want us to carry on the tradition of the city of Charleston fire department and to keep on serving the citiz just like we've always done.

Always go forward, always go ahead, keep moving.

And every one of us will pledge in honor to do that for them.

And I'm going to say one more thing.

We had a breakfast this morning for our fire department at the Gaillard Auditorium.

And I spoke to my guys.

I haven't spoke to them on the radio until this morning.

And I gave them a challenge and it all starts with me because it all begins with the chief.

The challenge is that we'll never forget, but the challenge is each one of those companies and stations in the city of Charleston fire department starting today I want them to do something every single day that we go to work that we will never forget these nine great heroes who work Fire Department and served this community like no one else has ever served.

Thank you.

[ applause ] [ applause ] [ applause ] [ applause ] ♪ Oh, Lord my God ♪ when I am awesome wonder ♪ ♪ Consider all the works ♪ thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

[ applause ] >> If I may ask you, please stand for the reading of the scripture.

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

This is my commandment.

Love one another as I have loved you.

There is no greater love than this to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

I no longer speak of you as slaves.

For slave does not know what his master is about.

Instead, I call you friends since I have made known to you all that I have heard from my father.

It is not you who chose me, it was I who chose you.

To go forth and bear fruit.

Your fruit must endure.

So that all you asked the father in my name he will give you.

>> The command I give you is this.

That you love one another.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

This is my command to you.

Love one another as I have loved There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

How many times we all read this scripture and say, amen.

We always think of others but not ourselves giving our lives.

The call to love is a strong and and it comes from God, himself.

That is certain.

When the alarm sounded on the evening of Monday, June 18th the firefighters and officers left what they were doing and on their Charleston fire department engines and trucks, they moved to engage the enemy, the demon of fire.

As they approached the super sofa store on the Savannah Highway, they could see the dense smoke and they knew this would be no easy task.

They had been on many such calls and they were professionals.

They knew their job and they loved it.

This was another opportunity for them to serve and protect the public.

Although some of them were on the job for a couple of years.

Most of them were seasoned veterans.

Led by experienced officers, they did their job.

News came of the entrapment of civilians.

This was a new dimension now.

To save as much of a building as you can is good.

But to save a human life is a necessity for a firefighter.

They had to do everything they humanly could and that they did.

In fact, they went beyond and gave everything they had.

Suddenly, disaster struck these brave men as the building collapse took pl Fear struck everyone outside.

Men, women, children, watching the tragedy could not believe it.

My God, my God, what is happening?

These men were no fools.

They respected fire and they knew its power, but they also knew their love for human beings especially their own personnel.

They loved one another and would do everything to bring people out safely to have life.

Tragedy upon tragedy as their fellow firefighters realized what was unfolding in their presence.

My God, my God, why must this happen.

The scripture was now a reality in the lives of these brave men.

How often they read or heard the quotation, there is no greater love than to lie down one's life for one's friends.

This they had just done.

And their fidelity to duty would not be surpassed.

They gave the last ounce of life that others may live.

They made the final sacrifice.

They brought life to the world and the holy scriptures had come alive when they left as a unit from the tragedy of earth to the brightness and happiness of eternal life.

As our Lord, himself, had done for us so many years ago on a cross, these men now did so, so that all of us could live in peace and safety.

We lament their personal tragedy But we also know the words of Christ Jesus.

It was not you who chose me.

It was I who chose you.

The command I give you is this love one another and that is exactly what these men did.

Some call them heroes.

I call them saints.

They not only heard the word of God, they lived it to the fullest.

When duty calls to protect and save others from the terror of fire and smok only a special group of people are able to do this.

Today, we call them heroes.

Yet they never thought of themselves as such.

They followed the beauty of the profession they loved.

They were givers and sought neither fame nor fortune.

They sought peace and protection.

They sought to bring and support life.

They sought to live the scriptures not in memory, but rather in deed.

What better way could there be?

Each time I read and read again the reports in the various news media, I do not see men losing their lives.

Rather, I see men following the Lord and offering their lives so others may continue to have life.

This is no small matter.

It is a calling.

It is a life of service in the model of their Lord and Savior.

They are not superhumans.

No, they are very human.

But they chose to be givers of life so others may continue to live.

They gave the greatest sacrifice.

So we might be here this day in peace.

They did this so we could be here.

Please never, ever forget them.

That not this beautiful memorial testimony we celebrate today with so many people.

Be only a cherished memory, but let it be a bright light to guide us and show us the way to the Lord.

What they have given you and me and the city of Charleston, South Carolina, is the last possible ounce of a precious, precious life.

As life drained from them, they went to the heart of the Lord.

And again we read in Scripture for God's faithful people life is changed, not ended.

These men are no longer on earth, but live forever in the heart of their God.

Whenever we hear a fire bell, may we remember these men who rang that bell, and may lead all of us to cherish their memory and to love them forever.

They were and are servants of the Lord.

For he has said, whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me, my friends, that is what they are doing now.

And their God has taken them to himself to live in peace, the peace for which they have fought the good fight and have won what we all hope to be.

They are.

We miss them all so very much, and we ask the Lord to look lovingly upon their families, their friends.

We not only miss them and can see them no longer, but we know whatever their feelings may have been, they have lived the Scripture to the spirit of the letter.

There is no greater love than this than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

This they have done.

My condolences to the families o My condolences to their brothers and sisters who serve in the fire service.

May we, firefighters have their spirit of true love and caring.

May we and their names seek to protect life, and may tragedies such as this cease to happen.

My very deepest condolences to Mayor Joe Riley, mayor of this beautiful city of Charleston.

And to Chief Randy Thomas, fire chief of the City of Charleston, to the men and women who serve in the Charleston Fire Department, to the support staff, to the office staff, to the firefighters themselves, to the officers of their department, and to their dynamic chief who suffers today.

What no chief ever wants to suffer.

For those who have died, the battle is one for those who remain.

I asked the Lord's special graces upon you that you may be consoled in the knowledge that as one family, you have once again protected the citizens of our city, and given an example of dedication and love as no other could do.

Mayor Riley, Chief Thomas, and the entire Department of Fire, Department of Charleston, we are with you, my friends, and we love you as you continue to lead and protect us.

We are ever grateful for you as we pray for those who have gone to the Lord.

We pray for those who remain with us that we may love them and support them always.

You see, the gift of love and dedication has mirrored the love of God in this city.

Although we have suffered a very great loss and our hearts are deeply saddened, we are still one strong United Fire Department, supporting one another, both deceased and alive.

Whether in heaven or on earth.

We are still a vibrant, a vibrant fellowship, united in love and respect, serving and protecting under God.

We are proud of our traditions and service.

We are proud to have so many come from across the state of South Carolina, and indeed from across these beautiful United States.

We are the Charleston City Fire Department, and we love you and we thank you.

May the blessings of Almighty God be upon each of you and remain with you.

May these heroes of the Charleston Fire Department now rest in peace.

Amen.

Amen, All> Amen.

>> Henry the Fifth was talking t From this day forward to the ending of the world, we in it shall be remembered We few, we gallant few, we band of brothers.

for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.

We will now read the names of our fallen brothers.

Captain Theodore Michael Benke, engine 16.

Captain William Hutchinson, engine 19.

Captain Louis Mulkey, engine 15.

Engineer Rodney Baity, engine 19.

Engineer Mark Kelsey, engine 10.

Assistant engineer Michael French, engine 16.

Firefighter Melvin Champaign, engine 19.

Firefighter James Earl Drayton, engine 16.

Firefighter Brandon Thompson, engine 10.

[ ringing of the memorial bell ] [ ringing of the memorial bell ] [ ringing of the memorial bell ] [ playing "Taps" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Taps" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Taps" ] ♪ ♪ [ song ends ] [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ ♪ [ song ends ] >> I have been asked to do the benediction.

The benediction of the conclusion of a worship service means that everything is okay with God.

Chaplin Dewey opened up with the invocation which we invited God and his presence into this service.

And so to make sure that everything is okay with God, the words of the testimony is mi will be true and I'll share it with you.

In 1975, my wife and I had twin boys.

Before the boys became two months old, one of our twin sons died.

I had a lot of questions for God.

I wanted to ask him why and I learned later on that many things that God do is a mystery and we'll never know them until and who would think that I would an episcopal priest 36 years later.

My only son that's living right now happens to be downtown at station 9 with his North Charleston fire station 6 watching over the city while we're here.

Again, I question God, my one and only son, the only son I have living has chosen to be a part of a band of brothers and sisters who in one moment in life could just like that go.

So be it.

Because the greatest joy I have about my son, Jason, who is serving downtown right now in the midst of all the pain that we all are going through right now before this benediction is that my son knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior.

And whatever happens, he has a relationship with Jesus.

I have one, and he is in God's hands, and Chief Rusty gave me an assig He said I want you to go to station 11 and I want you to be there when and I want to say to the families, I thank you for allowing me to condescend to you and to pray with you on that evening.

Thank you, that was a privilege for us to hold hands.

And so before I do this benediction, I want to give all my brothers a to...I want you to bow your heads and if this is conflict with someone then you don't have to pray.

We don't mean to offend.

But I want us to bow our heads because I see, I can't close this service without allowing someone to say, yeah, Jesus, it's me.

I need you today.

Would you bow your heads with me?

If you want to say this prayer out loud, fine.

If you don't want to say it, that's good.

I'm commissioned by God to do this.

Dear Lord Jesus, I ask you today, I am hurting.

God, I don't know what to do.

But I invite you to come into my heart, dear Jesus, because I need you right now.

I thank you for dying on the cross for me.

I thank you for taking care of my brothers who have gone on before me, but this day, Lord, come into my heart, I want to know that I'm okay when you come for me.

So I give you my heart today.

Keep it Lord, until I see you face to face.

Amen.

Now, if you just said that prayer, all you did was you just got it right with God.

You just say, well, Lord, if you call me today, I'm ready.

That's all we did.

And so will you join me as I pray and as I say, may the peace of God that passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in the love and knowledge of God and of a son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit be amongst you and remain with you always.

Amen.

♪ [ playing "America the Beautiful" ] ♪ [ playing "America the Beautiful" ] ♪ [ playing "America the Beautiful" ] ♪ [ playing "America the Beautiful" ] ♪ We are watching now as the honor guard is leading to the strings of the Pipe and Drum Corps.

That's 35 members of the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Bagpipe Band.

♪ This band has had a long journey to be part of today's ceremony.

A 15 hour drive from New York.

♪ They, of course, are known throughout the country.

They played at each funeral for the 343 firefighters who were killed on 9/11.

♪ Here we have Mayor Riley, Governor Sanford, and Chief Rusty Thomas standing at attention.

I thought Chief Thomas gave a very moving and warm tribute to the men he obviously loved so deeply and was so very, very close to.

♪ ♪ [ playing "America the Beautiful" ] It was a very warm, emotional and touching tribute to these nine fallen heroes.

♪ And I thought Charleston Mayor J just caught so much of the outpouring and generosity of spirit of this community in his own very spirited tribute to what he called these men of service, sacrifice, courage, duty and honor.

And he basically left us with a charge.

[ classical music ] An example, he said, of how we should lead our lives.

♪ He called them inspirational models and public servants of the highest honor.

♪ That these were nine fallen heroes.

It was their calling, their training.

♪ And in the end, it was their duty.

♪ [song continues ] The mayor is being escorted out.

♪ Or standing by is the Charleston ♪ Charleston Mayor Joe Riley is standing by with the Charleston Fire Chief, Rusty Thomas.

I think it was very obvious throughout this week of tragedy that these men share a very, very special bond, a bond with the city.

As Fire Chief Thomas said, this is a tight knit community.

Charleston is known for its neighborhood fire stations.

♪ They are the center of this community in so many ways.

The children and families visit daily.

♪ And of course, Chief Thomas lovingly talked about the men that served him for so many years, over 130 years of service he said.

♪ And as he relays, he personally hired each one of these men, not a human affairs officer.

♪ But the Charleston Fire Department firefighters are leaving as we're watching.

♪ [ classical music continues ] Now, Chief Thomas is a fourth ge ♪ Mayor Riley called attention to the many years of sacrifice and service that he's made.

♪ Riley and Chief Thomas are leaving the... ♪ Now, the other firefighters.

[ classical music continues ] And here we're looking at those firefighters that came today from not only throughout the United States, but Canada as well, ♪ to show respect and tribute for this tight knit group, of men and women.

♪ [ classical music continues ] And as you can see, the flag draped caskets are being carried out as we are watching here on screen.

This is a public memorial service, the funerals themselves will be held throughout this weekend in various parts, not only of the county, but the state as well.

♪ Here, the many men stand at attention.

[ classical music continues ] ♪ There was a salute from the president today.

Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff, ♪ read a message from the President and First Lady Laura Bush, ♪ talking about the sacrifice of these nine firemen.

[ orchestra plays ] And it was an emotional day you could see in the crowd, especially for the families.

But there was some laughter as well.

When Chief Thomas started talking about each individual fireman and some stories about their lives in the station house, and some of the idiosyncrasies and ways and habits.

And there was joy on some of the family members' faces as they reminisced about what these men meant to the community.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ classical music continues ] ♪ And of course, Charleston Fire C issued a challenge.

He said that we will never forget.

And he issued a challenge to all the members of the Charleston Fire Department to do something every day.

To never, ever forget these nine great heroes who served this community.

♪ And he said that he loved talking about them because they meant so very much to him.

♪ [ classical music continues ] Now the families are getting ready to join the processional as it leaves the Coliseum.

♪ So many, many young children.

Some old enough to understand what has happened, but so many young children that probably it'll be a long time before they understand about duty and service and honor and what their father was involved in and what he meant to this community.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ But as one lady I was talking to who came to hear this service said, you know, it's times like these that really make us stop and think.

♪ And realize the service that these men and women perform for us, that we so often take it for granted, ♪ until something tragic like this happens.

♪ And of course, in the homily, the monsignor said that some people call them heroes, but I call them saints.

♪ He said, we will never forget them.

They are nine of the best that they died doing what they loved best.

Helping others, caring for others.

♪ Family members continue to leave.

[ classical music continues ] ♪ And Michael Chertoff also mentioned the fact that, you know, this is the role of first responders.

This is the role that they play.

It's the safety and security of the public.

And again, it's a role, he said, that we don't always think about, ♪ until we need these men and women.

[ silence ] [ orchestra begins new classical song] The theme of today's memorial service was, We, we band of brothers.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ classical music continues ] ♪ The last remnants of the honor guard are starting to file out.

Mr. Chertoff and Governor Sanford.

Are here to honor these nine fallen heroes.

And it's very poignant moments, particularly when the families file past the caskets and had a chance to say, I guess, a public goodbye.

♪ Several of them put their hands on the casket itself and took a minute to look at the picture, or bow their heads in a silent tribute.

[ classical music continues ] And as they sat down, you couldn't help but notice that so many of the family members looked around in the auditorium at the seats to, I guess, take a look at how many people were there to pay their respects.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ classical music continues ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ There were a lot of tears shed, but there were a lot of, I guess, happy memories as well.

♪ As Charleston Chief Rusty Thomas shared stories about their lives at the station house.

♪ And again, he and Charleston May really embraced the Charleston community, thanking them so much for the overwhelming support that this community has shown to these families and to the firefighters themselves.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ classical music continues ] ♪ Again, these firefighters represent firefighter unions throughout the country.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ Chief Thomas says he loves talking about his men.

Loved talking about these men and what they did and what they meant.

♪ He said that so many of them were there or went to New York after 9/11, that they had a great t-shirt that he got that great people all gave some and some gave all.

And of course, today, he said these nine, they gave all.

All keeping in the theme of serving and the tradition of firefighters serving others.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ The red fire hat symbolizes the captain, one of the captains who lost his life, and each casket had a-- the hat symbolizing each of the individual men on top of the casket.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ >> A very solemn crowd here as more and more people are leaving the service.

Everyone is standing in the coliseum, as you can see, as they pay respects to the family as they are leaving.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ ♪ >> Mothers and children and fathers and grandparents as well.

[ orchestra plays ] You're seeing here the honor guard.

♪ They represent firefighters throughout the country, not just here in Charleston.

♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ And as each of the speakers talk today we remember courage and faithful service of these nine men who gave their lives in the worst firefighter tragedy since 9/11.

[ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] ♪ [ orchestra plays ] The families continue to file past as our service is concluding.

♪ And as you can see, everyone is getting ready to end this ceremony, and it was a very moving, emotional, again, and a warm tribute to these nine fallen heroes.

We thank you for joining us today and as we leave you, we leave with the tribute to what Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas called, nine great heroes.

Thank you for joining us.

♪ [bagpipe playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ [ playing "Amazing Grace" ] ♪ [ "Amazing Grace" continues ] ♪ [ "Amazing Grace" ends ]