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Thousands honour US firefighters Thousands honour US firefighters
(about 7 hours later)
A memorial service is taking place in South Carolina for nine firefighters killed in a blaze on Monday. A memorial service has taken place in South Carolina for nine firefighters killed in a blaze on Monday.
The men died when a fierce fire caused the roof to collapse at a furniture store and warehouse in Charleston.The men died when a fierce fire caused the roof to collapse at a furniture store and warehouse in Charleston.
A day of mourning has been declared in the town, marking what was the biggest single loss of life in the US fire service since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. A day of mourning was declared in the town, marking what was the biggest single loss of life in the US fire service since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Thousands of firefighters have also come from across the US and Canada to pay tribute to their comrades. Thousands of firefighters also came from across the US and Canada to pay tribute to their comrades.
The service, taking place in a 9,000-seat arena in the town, was also to be broadcast to giant screens outside and in a nearby convention centre. The service, taking place in a 9,000-seat arena in the town, was broadcast on giant screens outside and in a nearby convention centre.
'Affects us all''Affects us all'
Speaking at the ceremony, Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley paid tribute to the town's "nine heroes" and their courage and dedication to public service.Speaking at the ceremony, Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley paid tribute to the town's "nine heroes" and their courage and dedication to public service.
The store and the warehouse were gutted by Monday night's fireThe store and the warehouse were gutted by Monday night's fire
The men, who worked together and were friends, ranged in age from 27 to 49. The firefighters, who worked together and were friends, ranged in age from 27 to 49.
Fire Chief Rusty Thomas told anecdotes about each of his men, saying the challenge for their fellows in the fire department was to "never forget" those lost and their service to the community.
Michael Chertoff, the US Homeland Security Secretary, praised the firefighters for their bravery and relayed a message from President George W Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush.
"Their willingness to sacrifice for others demonstrated the true meaning of heroism," he read.
Also among those to attend were two Republican presidential hopefuls, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
A procession of about 100 fire trucks passed through the town before the service began.
"When we lose one, it affects us all," Virginia firefighter Lt James Diego, who had travelled with several colleagues to Charleston for the service, told the Associated Press news agency."When we lose one, it affects us all," Virginia firefighter Lt James Diego, who had travelled with several colleagues to Charleston for the service, told the Associated Press news agency.
"Most of us have suffered some sort of loss in our careers, and it's a way to pay back the people who supported us when we had a line-of-duty death.""Most of us have suffered some sort of loss in our careers, and it's a way to pay back the people who supported us when we had a line-of-duty death."
Also among those expected to attend were two Republican presidential hopefuls, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Investigations into the cause of the fire and the sudden roof collapse are continuing. A press conference is scheduled for Saturday.
A procession of about 100 fire trucks passed through the town before the start of the service.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and the sudden roof collapse are continuing.