Worcester Mayor Raymond Mariano delivered his own emotionally charged speech, emphasizing the very personal nature of Worcester's tragedy. He criticized the national media for rushing to tell the story and missing the essence of the tragedy.
"The number six doesn't begin to tell the story. In Worcester, we not only know the firefighters, we know the families," he said.
"This tragedy is defined by the amazing courage of two brave firefighters," Mariano continued. "In Worcester, that kind of love and valor is what we have come to expect from our firefighters."
But he also said the firefighters should serve as role models for all.
"Your heroism helps define our community," Mariano told them. "You are the very best our community has to offer."
"We will never forget them, or their families, or their sacrifice," Mariano said as family members of the slain men wept.
Massachusetts Governor A. Paul Cellucci followed Mariano in praising Worcester's "fallen heroes."
"They were courageous...because they were willing to fight fear on the behalf of others," Cellucci said.
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