Firefighters and others who protect us, rescue us, and offer aid in times of crisis are heroes to me. While walking in Toronto a few years ago, I came across the Ontario Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Queen’s Park.
Toronto Fallen Firefighters Memorial
It depicts a firefighter bringing a child to safety. I really liked the movement of the sculpture — you can almost see him in action. There are also granite walls near the sculpture with the names of 531 Ontario firefighters who died in the line of duty or from an occupational disease. Two months after I was there, someone defaced the granite walls with graffiti. After a very expensive renovation that required replacing three quarters of the slabs, the new memorial was unveiled in October 2009.
My Dad - Engineer John Sweeney, Chicago Fire Department, Engine 1
Funny what you don’t notice until you get your camera out. I’ve lived in Toronto and walked that area on many occasions. Now I’ll keep an eye out for it. I had no idea that many firefighters were killed.
It’s funny how that works. I just happened upon it one day. FYI, The earliest death was in 1848. 31 died in 2010.
Wonderful shot Cathy. I’ve been to Toronto many time, but have never seen this.
Thanks for posting to Travel Photo Thursday.
Thanks, Nancie. Take a look for it at Queen’s Park next time you’re there.
I’d love to learn more about your dad, Cathy. Thanks for sharing this.
How nice of you to say, Theodora. He was quite a guy. Couldn’t help but include a photo since the subject was firefighters and heroes.
How can people do such horrible things? Defacing a memorial. Just disgusting.
Anyway, on a happier note, great photo and at least the memorial has been restored. 🙂
Julia
Thanks, Julia. It is a shame, isn’t it when people do things like that. I guess they were trying to make some political statements — there are other ways to do that!
This is such a moving statue. I like the angle you chose to photograph it 🙂
I took a few pics for the front, but really liked the feel of this angle, too. Thanks!
A fitting memorial for our often unsung heroes. And yes, we should hear more about your Dad and his stories.
http://holesinmysoles.blogspot.com/2011/03/travel-photo-thursday-mar-31st-dacha.html
They certainly are often unsung, aren’t they? And thank you for your comment about my dad. I just might share some of those stories sometime!
seriously, what motivates people to deface things like this. unbelievable.
love the pic of your dad as well. that is some bad-ass truck.
Yep – that was quite a truck, especially if you picture my dad driving it through the streets of downtown Chicago with sirens blaring!
great pic- so shitty about the defacing but glad they’ve got it covered. the pic of your dad is SO FANTASTIC!!! 🙂
Thanks, Lorna! That pic of my dad is a favorite.
That’s a shame about the graffiti…some people have zero respect. Hopefully karma gets them in the end.
Thanks for the photo!
Here’s to Karma (at least in this case)!
That really pisses me off that someone would deface that… glad it was restored!
Me too — on both points! The unveiling of the restored walls was a very moving ceremony, I’ve read.
I really enjoyed your “Heros” blog entry and especially love the picture you shared of your Father, Mr. Bill Sweeney. I think most people would agree that our firefighters are heros. Unfortunately, we are often reminded of their heroism during tragic times, not when we simply drive by the fire stations. I remember sharing a story about your father with a fifty year old, recently retired firefighter. I told him how your father fought that huge fire in Chicago, and of course, without the fancy safety equipment of today. He was in awe of the story and was humbled by the heroism your father exhibited in his mission to serve and protect. My heart swells with joy as I remember the great stories you have shared throughout the years of “YOUR” hero, your father. He was a man of great character and integrity, but most importantly a father who loved his “Little Catherine” with all his heart and left you with beautiful memories to share with all of us. Now he can be a hero to ALL of us.
Hey Miss Tammie — thanks for dropping by and for your very nice comment. It’s very meaningful and appreciated! It’s wonderful for me to have such good memories and to know that you enjoy hearing about them.
You’re so right that it’s usually when tragedies occur that we think about our heroes. That’s why I think it’s so nice to see memorials like this one. Not only do they honor the heroes, but they get us to take a little time to think about them.
Indeed. 🙂
Greta stuff Cathy, there’s something very alive about it I agree. We have a less dramatic, but still quite moving, one in Glasgow by sculptor Kenny Hunter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peteredin/2319880666/
Thank, Jools. Appreciate the link to the Glasgow sculpture — I like it. Always glad to see our firefighters being honored.
Your dad’s photo is so Rad! I love it.
Love that photo of your Dad!
@Grace and @The NVRGuys and all who commented on the photo of my dad — thank you so much!
Great !! Really they are the real hero’s N your dad pic s great ..U should be Proud cos your dad saved many life’s
Love this post, Cathy! So sweet.