Emk Institute Honors Falen Firefighters Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh and Michael R. Kennedy

In response to the tragic loss of firefighters Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, the EMK Institute released the following statement:

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy. There are no words to mend the torn hearts of their loved ones. They are true heroes and will never be forgotten.

Years ago when Massachusetts suffered a similar loss, Senator Edward M. Kennedy recited the following poem at a memorial service and sent a copy to every firehouse across the Commonwealth:

May They Not Be Forgotten

“Brother when you weep for me,

Remember that it was meant to be.

Lay me down and when you leave,

Remember I’ll be at your sleeve.

In every dark and choking hall,

I’ll be there as you slowly crawl.

On every roof in driving snow,

I’ll hold your coat and you will know.

In cellars hot with searing heat,

At windows where a gate you meet,

In closets where young children hide,

You know I’ll be at your side.

The house from which I now respond

Is overstaffed with heroes gone.

Men who answered one last bell

Did the job and did it well.

As firemen, we understand

That death’s a card dealt in our hand –

A card we hope we never play,

But one we hold there anyway.

That card is something we ignore,

As we crawl across a weakened floor.

For we know that we’re the only prayer

For anyone that might be there.

So remember, as you wipe your tears,

The joy I knew throughout the years.

As I did the job I loved to do,

I pray that thought will see you through.”