Boston City Hall Ceremony Honors 2 Fallen Firefighters
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Mayor Martin Walsh and the city of Boston paid tribute to the two fallen firefighters by raising the Boston Fire Department flag at City Hall Plaza on Friday.
A moment of silence was also held for Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, who perished while fighting the brownstone blaze in the Back Bay. Walsh was married with three children under age 10. Kennedy, a former Marine, was single.
Mayor Martin Walsh said Friday the courage of Walsh and Kennedy will never be forgotten, and "words cannot repay the debt of gratitude" the city owes them and their families.
"They put themselves in harm's way so that others might be safe," Mayor Walsh said. "As we reflect on their extraordinary actions, we must not forget that this is what they do every day of their working lives."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
Boston City Hall Ceremony Honors 2 Fallen Firefighters
Fire Commissioner John Hasson said the compassion and kindness of their fellow citizens has lifted the spirits of firefighters.
Bagpipers played the hymn "Amazing Grace" as the red flag of the Boston Fire Department, and the blue flag of the firefighters' union, were raised.
Congressmen William Keating and Stephen Lynch were among many in attendance.
The mayor's office officially announced that a memorial fund will be set up to help the families of the two firefighters.
Flags, wreaths and flowers have piled up outside the Engine 33 firehouse to honor the two men.
Listen: Sounds From Wednesday's Tragic Fire In Boston's Back Bay
Sounds From Wednesday's Tragic Fire In Boston's Back Bay
Listen: Audio Tributes To The Fallen Firefighters
Audio Tributes To The Fallen Firefighters
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports on a growing memorial outside the firefighters' home station
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports on the investigation into the fire's cause
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