Francis Gray only LVFD member killed serving our country |
Frank Gray's flag flies high over LVFD Headquarters honoring our fallen brothers. |
Flag Raising Ceremony Honors Former LVFD Member and Those Killed In The September 11th Attack
Story by Wendy Stiles and Jim Codespote
Photos by Jim Codespote
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Francis Gray only LVFD member killed serving our country |
Frank Gray's flag flies high over LVFD Headquarters honoring our fallen brothers. |
Sept. 29, 2001. After seeing the tragedies of September 11th, the family of Francis (Frank) Gray could think of no better way to remember their brother and honor the fallen firefighters than to fly their brother's flag over LVFD Headquarters. The flag, which was presented to them at Frank's funeral, hadn't been out of its case since that day in 1968. On September 29th, it proudly flew over the firehouse honoring our fallen brothers. A public ceremony was held at the firehouse.
During the regular company meeting on September 17th, Rose Wright (sister of Frank Gray), approached the company about donating her brother's flag to the LVFD. Mrs. Wright said that "the family had been searching for many years to find the right place to donate the flag to. We didn't want it in a museum someplace just sitting with no meaning. We want this flag to be with the people who loved Frank the most." After the September 11th attacks, Mrs. Wright, her husband Jim and her brother Rudi made the decision to donate it to the LVFD. LVFD President Collins and the board of directors decided that a public ceremony would be appropriate to honor Frank and those killed in the terrorist attacks. Several members that joined the LVFD around the same time Frank did attended the ceremony. They all spoke of what a good guy Frank was. He will not be forgotten.The ceremony began at noon with Master of Ceremony Judge C. Philip Nichols leading the event. The group was lead in prayer by LVFD Chaplain Warren H. Litchfield followed by comments from LVFD President Jimmy Collins, Fraternal Order of Police Laurel Lodge 11 president PFC Pat Bray, LVFD Fire Chief Bryan Lau, and Laurel Police Chief Roy Gilmore.
Left to right. C. Philip Nichols, Warren Litchfield, Jimmy Collins
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Left to right. Pat Bray, Bryan Lau, Roy Gilmore
During the ceremony, Tiffany Osborn who lives near the firehouse, dropped off several pizzas. It was just something she wanted to do to show her appreciation. We definitely appreciated her kindness. Most of the people there hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch. When the ceremony ended, LVFD members took to the streets to collect money for the American Red Cross. The generosity displayed as we collected on the corner of Cherry Lane and Rt. 1 was remarkable. In 3 hours, LVFD members and Laurel Police officers collected over $12,000.00.
Chaplain Litchfield led us in prayer to begin the ceremony
Left : Jim and Rose Wright, Right: Rudi Gray and LVFD life member John Nicholson
