BLUE ASH, Ohio – Firefighters are using a carved log the size of a casket, the only one of its kind in Ohio, to honor victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Scott Reed, a firefighter in Blue Ash, suits up every day to get to emergencies and every year he climbs for those who can’t. This year, he’s bringing something else to honor the fallen.
There will be six people who symbolize pallbearers, who will carry a carved log that’s the size of a casket that was made to represent first responders’ lives lost.
What You Need To Know
- The ‘Honor Log’ has been on display at the Blue Ash Fire Department
- It shows markings of police, fire, and military symbols, and is the size of a casket
- Firefighters are bringing the log to the annual stair climb at Summit Tower in Blue Ash
“It weighs 600 pounds, it’s 22 inches in diameter which is symbolic of the 22 veterans a day that unfortunately commit suicide,” said Reed.
He worked with artists to help come up with the design and worked to get ‘the honor log’ to where it is now, on display at the city’s fire department.
“On the back side here, there’s also images of police, fire and military,” said Reed, “I just personally feel like it’s important that we pay tribute and honor the fallen service members from our state, and this is my way to do that,” he said.
It’s been here for the last few months, but on Sept. 11, they’re taking it to the Observation Tower at Summit Park in Blue Ash. That’s where firefighters will be climbing the height of the Twin Towers, to honor those who died in the 9/11 attacks. And they’ll do it right next to the honor log.
“It’s really a piece of art, and I hope people can look at it and reflect on its meaning,” said Reed.
It’s the only one in the state, but this will not be the only place it goes. Firefighters hope to move it across the area to pay tribute to their sacrifice.
“It’s a great honor that we can have it out and have it be a memorial to those who have given their lives,” said Reed.
