Memorial service preparation

Granite piece that will hold plaque is ready at Junction City Fire Hall. The memorial ceremony Friday in Central Point, Ore., for the fallen firefighters on helicopter flight Iron 44 was well attended.

The most poignant speakers were the parents of Steven Caleb Renno. His mother, Catherine Renno, prayed that we would not remember these men as they were in the wreckage of Iron 44, but remember them for the good lives they lived and the fine men that they were. Bruce LeMay, Caleb's stepfather, prayed in his native tongue for the peace and salvation of their son, of Cherokee descent.

It was a moving and emotional event, and as a tribute it was well planned, but as always with the loss of life, fell short as a final goodbye. There is always so much left unsaid. But there was a degree of closure. I felt it as I was leaving, along with a deep degree of sadness. As Catherine said to me at the reception, "I will have so much to say to him (Caleb) when we meet again. There will be much to rejoice." And so it will be for all the families.

The organization of our memorial event, planned for Sept. 13 at 1:50 p.m., is in full swing. The Weaverville Lions, Native Sons of the Golden West, Trinity County Fire Chiefs Association, Weaverville V.F.D., County Office of Education and many individuals have joined the cause.

The Wildland Firefighters Foundation, formed to aid families and survivors of accidents and deaths such as Iron 44, has been active and intimate with the families for their needs. The foundation has already given thousands of dollars to cover the immediate needs of the families of these men, until benefits can be received.

As our fund raising begins, we ask that you donate to the Junction City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 418, Junction City, CA 96048. Proceeds from the donations will cover the expense of the bronze memorial plaques, busing during the event, travel expenses for the families, and miscellaneous expenses at the event. The balance will be donated to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation.

The granite slab for the memorial plaque has been placed by the Clampers crew and volunteers at the J.C. Fire Hall. The plaque text is written and at the engraver's. The memorial plaque has no sponsoring organizations' names. For all of you who have expressed a desire to help, it was evident that this effort had to be from the citizens of the county.

The plaque begins, "We, the people, place this solemn monument in remembrance, to never forget those brave, fallen firefighters whose lives were torn from the bosom of humanity, in the line of duty." You will have to wait until the 13th of September to view the remainder of the plaque text. Research has already begun to gather the names of firefighters lost in previous fires. Their names will be added at a later date. We are establishing a living memorial to appreciate those who gave the greatest sacrifice to protect our homes and county.

Please join the North Fork Grange, Junction City VFD, E Clampus Vitus and the organizations listed above in the ceremonial presentation of this memorial. Turn out on that day to show the families that we do care for their loss, and that their grief is one with our own.