YOU ARE THE ONE...

You are the one who enters the flames
when we are racing to flee.
You are the one who carries the air
to our lungs that cannot breathe.

You are the one who carries us out
and hands us to your brother
So that you may return to the heat
and rescue yet another.

You are the one who enters that building
as others watch it tumble down.
And something deep inside of you
won't let you turn around.

You are the one who leaves your family each day
knowing you may not return;
Only to rescue us, mere strangers,
whose names you may never learn.

You are the one who is larger than life
to both adult and child;
As you wear that heroic uniform
to fight flames raging wild.

You are the one who appears fearless
and yet surely you are afraid;
for you are simply a man who faces with courage
the choices you have made.

You are the one who has chosen
a sacrificial path;
but however your day ends
rest assured your legacy will last.

You are the one who has said goodbye
to a fellow hero - to a brother,
who entered the flames of Hell
to give life to another.

You are the one whom we notice
though not as often as we should;
as you quietly go about your life
SIMPLY DOING GOOD.

You are the one to whom we say
THANK YOU. WE SALUTE YOU.
And may God bless you for your sacrifice
today and every day.