National Firefighters Memorial facts for kids
The National Firefighters Memorial
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°30′46″N 0°05′54″W / 51.51290°N 0.09845°W |
|---|---|
| Location | City of London |
| Designer | John W. Mills |
| Type | Memorial |
| Material | Bronze |
| Opening date | 4 May 1991 |
The National Firefighters Memorial is a special memorial in the City of London, England. It has three bronze statues that show firefighters bravely working during a very tough time called the Blitz in World War II. This memorial helps us remember all the firefighters who have died while doing their job to keep us safe.
Contents
About the National Firefighters Memorial
The memorial is located near St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. You can find it on the Jubilee Walkway. It's also easy to reach from the south side of the River Thames by crossing the Millennium Footbridge.
The memorial shows three firefighters in action. They are made of bronze, a strong metal. The statues remind us of the brave work firefighters do every day.
Its History and Purpose
The idea for this memorial came from a person named Cyril Demarne. A group called the Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust started in 1990 to make it happen. John W. Mills was the artist who created the statues.
At first, the memorial was meant to honor firefighters in London. It specifically remembered those who fought fires during the Blitz in World War II. During the Blitz, London was bombed for 57 nights in a row. The memorial also honored all firefighters who served during the war. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother officially opened the memorial on May 4, 1991.
Becoming a National Tribute
In 1998, a decision was made to make the memorial even bigger. It would no longer just honor firefighters from World War II. Instead, it would remember all firefighters across the entire United Kingdom who died while on duty.
The memorial was moved from its first spot. Its base was made taller, and the names of all firefighters who died in peacetime were added. This made it a true national monument.
The Princess Royal is a special supporter of the Firefighters' Memorial Charitable Trust. She attended a special ceremony on September 16, 2003. At this event, the memorial was rededicated. A total of 1,192 names were carved into the bronze.
Remembering Our Heroes
Every year, a special service is held at the memorial. This service takes place on the Sunday closest to September 7. That date is important because it's the anniversary of when the Blitz began. It's a time for everyone to remember the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters.
