Prayer for the Firefighters

Los Angeles County lost two of their bravest this afternoon, fighting the Station Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Young and agedvolunteer and career,

man and woman

of all races and colors,

you left aching hearts behind
An eternal flame

warms your names

inscribed on cold, lifeless plaques

around this stone cairn

In the hearts you left behind

your memories abide

in undying gratitude
You asked nothing more

You knew the risks,

served without fear

and paid the highest price
You embody a quality

of which many only dream

Your selflessness for others

is now your eternal crown
O fallen comrades,

give us all this quality

that we may more fittingly

prolong your memory

-- inscribed on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial