Local groups honoring local firefighters in special ways

The anniversary of September 11th is drawing near. Memories of that day are still very painful for many, but some say doing things for others helps them to deal with the tragedy. <br><br>News on Six

Monday, September 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The anniversary of September 11th is drawing near. Memories of that day are still very painful for many, but some say doing things for others helps them to deal with the tragedy.

News on Six Reporter Patrina Adger says since September 11th, firefighters throughout the country have received an outpouring of love from the community. Folks have offered food and gifts just to say thanks! We found a group doing just that.

They are the members of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. Neighborhood Coordinator Phyllis Kendall says members of the chapter wanted to show their appreciation to the men and women who risk their lives everyday saving others. They decided on handmade quilts to give to fire stations throughout the area. Kendall says it's their way of remembering the thousands of people who perished in the 9/11 attacks and those who fought to save them.

On the quilt, the patriotic colors of red, white and blue and the words spoken by President Bush on that horrific day. "We will not falter. We will not fear. We will not fail. We will not forget. And then September 11th and this is in remembrance of that particular day and for the firefighters who went into the building and lost their lives and helped out all that day. We want to remember them and honor them."

Sara Barbaro handmade the quilt and says she just wanted to do something special. "Just to honor the firefighters especially those who lost their lives and just to let them know we're sticking behind our flag." Kendall and Barbaro presented the quilt to the Broken Arrow Fire Department.

"On behalf of the BAFD we graciously accept this." The same group who happened to work on that day. James Suddath says the outpouring of love and support from the community since 9/11 has been non-stop. He says words can't express how much it's appreciated. "Thank you, you wish you can do more. This shows heart from the community. To do this is real special for us." "I can assure you this will hang in a place of prominence and we graciously accept it and receive it in the same love in which it was made. Thank you very much."

Each quilt took about 10 hours to make. The ladies gave out 2 quilts Monday. They will give the out the other 8 Tuesday.