Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 23/02) - Two flags hang in the Rankin Inlet fire station as a sombre tribute to silent heroes.

These symbols of national identity spark emotions in these surroundings, with the horrific events of Sept. 11 still vivid in the mind.

The Stars and Stripes make one take pause almost immediately when entering the station. Many lives were lost on that fateful day just four short months ago, and the flag seems determined not to let you forget a single one.

As in real life, the Maple Leaf hangs next to its southern cousin -- proud and unwavering in its staunch support.

In this setting, the flags come together as brothers in arms for the ideals of those who put the lives of others ahead of their own.

Acting fire Chief Ambrose Karlik had the idea of hanging the two flags in the local fire station.

He was acting on an urge from deep within to remember those who gave their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and to honour the men and women who risk their lives so often battling flames.

Karlik invites anyone in the community to drop by the station and take a moment to silently remember all those who gave their lives to save others.

"Every firefighter, no matter where they live, should do something to remember all those firefighters who lost their lives at the World Trade Center," says Karlik.

"All our guys agreed with the idea and we're happy to be doing something to show we care about these people, even if we do live so far away in Rankin Inlet. It's good to have something like this as a reminder of the role firefighters play all over the world."

Kivalliq regional fire marshal Tim Hinds says having the two flags hang in the local station is a magnificent gesture on behalf of the local firefighters.

"I fully support this initiative," says Hinds.

"Emergency services personnel in the United Kingdom are going to be receiving the Queen's golden jubilee medal and there's a movement under way to have that introduced into Canada through the Canadian Council of Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners," he says.

"Every initiative, big or small, to recognize our emergency services people should be applauded."