As Building Is Destroyed by Blaze, Firefighters Save American Flag Before It Catches Fire
There is something to be said for patriotism. A group of Virginia firefighters displayed their love for this country proudly when they chose to save an American flag last week.
On February 28, the Moose Lodge in Hopewell, Virginia reportedly caught fire. Hopewell Fire & Rescue were soon on the scene.
WTVR reported the devastating fire wiped out the Moose Lodge, which was clearly a staple in the Hopewell community.
“It was gut-wrenching and then it was sad because there’s a lot of memories and a lot of ties to the community,” lodge administrator Brad Ozmore said.
While the lodge itself has been destroyed, the firefighters did manage to salvage something that flew just outside the lodge’s doors.
Their act of respect was caught on film and soon went viral. In the video, the firefighters can be seen rescuing an American flag.
“We took the opportunity to go up and save the flag as kind of a symbol of hope,” Donny Hunter, the Hopewell Fire Chief, shared with “Fox & Friends.”
A Facebook post shared by Hunter on the Hopewell Fire & Rescue page noted that this fire was “definitely one of the top 3 fires” he’d ever faced.
Hunter went on to write his heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hopewell Fire. “…your dedication and service to the City… makes me PROUD to be your Fire Chief,” he said.
“We don’t usually lose a whole building,” Hunter told WTVR. “I mean, we pride ourselves in being very aggressive and fighting fire hard.”
This fire was certainly heartbreaking for anyone who held the Moose Lodge close to their hearts. The firefighters’ act in saving the flag seems to be one way they can still hold on to the hope of tomorrow.
Our hearts go out to any and all who were affected by this tragedy. The community is reportedly banding together to help the lodge rebuild.
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