This series of four photos were taken at the site of the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO. On September 21st, over 10,000 family members and firefighters from across the United States and Canada stood quietly as an honor guard opened the ceremony honoring fallen firefighters across the country.

Between 75 and 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada die every year in the line of duty. But, last year's attack on the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon in Washington made Saturday's ceremony a September 11 observance as well.

The names of the 425 firefighters who died in the 12 months to June 2002, 343 of whom perished at the World Trade Center, were read aloud and added to the memorial wall.

In 1987, the site was recognized in a congressional resolution as "the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial."

I have attempted to capture the emotion, beauty, and significance of this memorial and annual event in these four photographs. Some were captured on the day of the gathering, while others were captured the following day.

This Memorial Statue was designed by artist and sculpture, Mr. Gary Coulter. It weighs 2600 pounds, and was dedicated on October 15th, 1988. The statue depicts the last step on the ladder as the firefighter carries a child to safety..