On Monday, April 18, 2016, the San Francisco Fire Department, along with other early risers, will be commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 at an annual commemoration ceremony being held at the historic Lotta’s Fountain in downtown San Francisco.
The event, which begins precisely at 5:12 AM, the exact time the 1906 earthquake struck the sleeping city of San Francisco is, “the time that we San Franciscans commemorate those who suffered great losses and celebrate the spirit and resolve of the people of San Francisco who overcame the devastation on that historical day and rebuilt this great City.” said Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. “This is also a time to educate and remind all people of the importance of disaster preparedness.”
After the commemoration ceremony at Lotta’s Fountain, a procession will be made to the infamous golden fire hydrant, on the corner of 20th and Church streets, for the annual re-painting ceremony. The celebrated fire hydrant is said to have been the sole source of water, used by thousands of volunteers, responsible for saving this area of the City during the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake.
At 09:00 AM, the San Francisco Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary Kick-Off event will be held at Union Square. The event will start with a narrated History of the SFFD, followed by a Presentation of the Colors by the SFFD Color Guard and bagpiper. Guest speakers and Dignitaries will give remarks with a display of vintage fire apparatus in the background. In conclusion, a demonstration of the historical SFFD 65’ wooden ladder raise will be presented.
For more information, go to www.sf-fire.org
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