2009 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
 

This is how I spent my weekend after a visit with Venom.... National Fallen Firefighters Memorial 2009 - a set on Flickr

I came home a totally different man than when I left. There's is something about spending time with 123 families who are all grieving the loss of a firefighter in their family. Though it was not particularly a sad event, it was geared towards making certain that the family survives the ordeal, mourns in their own way and finds a network to help them over the years.

I was honored to be part of the escort team for National Park Service Firefighter Andrew Palmer from Sequim, Washington. Andrew lost is life when a tree fell on him on his first day on the fire line on July 25, 2008 : NPS Mourns Death Of Firefighter Andy Palmer (NPS Digest). Andrew was 18 years old.

Quite and Honor Purple. I had a great time hanging out for the afternoon at the Car Show w/you. Great to meet members in person, especially when they are as they seem. Really nice to check out Carlilse's massive grounds full of restored cars we grew up with and reminisce. And my usual at Chili's later was awesome food I'm not "allowed" to eat anymore. LOL

I'm going to have to go threw that when I'm not falling asleep at the keyboard. Always a great honer to stand for the fallen.

I had a great time as well. It was fun to reminisce about the "antiques" we remember riding in, seeing or in some cases owning. I will keep your Chili's secret and Mrs. Venom will never know from me! Thanks for making the drive and being the guy I thought you were!