Organized to pay tribute to the long and rich history of the fire service, this year's event will take place the weekend of Sept. 8--11 in conjunction with remembrances of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when hundreds of firefighters perished while helping others.
The weekend kicks off Thursday with the Firefighters' Candlelight Vigil to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Starting at 8 p.m., the tribute will be held at the Firefighter Statue, located at the corner of Market and Tucker streets near City Hall.
Then the St. Louis and Metro Firefighters' Ball will held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday night with dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit BackStoppers, which aids the families of firefighters and police killed in the line of duty.
The event that started it all, the Great Fire Engine Rally, will take place Saturday at 10 a.m. ending at Soldiers' Memorial, check website for details. Approximately 100 fire trucks will participate, and there will be a flea market, firefighting demonstrations, children's activities and more.
On Sunday, there will be the St. Louis Region 9/11 Memorial Service at Art Hill in Forest Park will begin at 8:46 a.m., the exact time that Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's north tower 10 years before.
A breakfast to benefit the Missouri Children's Burn Camp will be held at the Lafayette Fire Company No. 1 at 1801 Park Ave. from 8 a.m. -- 2 p.m. 100% of all proceeds from the buffet go directly to the camp.
Visit www.firefightersweekend.com for more details.
what 2 1403's????
FIREPHIGHT 3 months ago