Consul General Peter Kujawinski and staff members of Consulate Calgary had the privilege of joining first responders from all over Alberta in the Climb for the Fallen at the Calgary Tower held on September 11, 2014. The event is organized by the Firefighter’s 1st organization and is a meaningful way to honor the contributions of first responders who commit their lives to protecting and serving fellow citizens.
Prior to the commencement of the stair climb, Mr. Chad Sartison, Captain of the Foothills Fire Department warmly welcomed the participation of the United States Consulate General and talked to the benefits of joint cooperation, especially in the face of disaster. Consul General Kujawinski expressed gratitude to all first responders, both in Canada and the United States, for their service. The recovery efforts during last year’s floods were specifically highlighted.
Consul General Kujawinski shared in the special honor of carrying the NYFD flag to the top of the Calgary Tower while donning firefighter gear. The NYFD flag was gifted to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78 in southern Alberta as a symbol of friendship between the Canadian and American people by the New York City Fire Department in 2001. It has become a tradition for the NYFD flag to be hosted by fire departments in Alberta and Montana on a rotational basis as a visual tribute to the daily sacrifices of first responders on both sides of the border.
To see more photos of this event, see our Flickr album.
