“I cannot explain how moved I was to listen to Rupert’s recital of A Firefighter’s Dream. It is so much more than a poem; it is a story full of inspiration and courage. I had chills sitting there that day and it is something that I will remember for the rest of my life”
US Marine Corporal Josh Bleill
(Wounded Warrior)
US Marine Corporal Josh Bleill
(Wounded Warrior)
And the dream I had was powerful – the best of humankind
‘Courage’ is a heartfelt word not easily defined
It doesn’t equal ‘fearless’ as some sideline experts claim
No, ‘courage’ is to be scared…but to go on just the same…
Extract from ‘A Firefighter’s Dream’
by Rupert McCall
‘Courage’ is a heartfelt word not easily defined
It doesn’t equal ‘fearless’ as some sideline experts claim
No, ‘courage’ is to be scared…but to go on just the same…
Extract from ‘A Firefighter’s Dream’
by Rupert McCall
‘’These powerful words should hang on the wall of every home and every Firehouse in America’’
Liam Flaherty.
Captain Rescue 2, FDNY
Liam Flaherty.
Captain Rescue 2, FDNY
In 2010 Rupert McCall was invited to contribute to a project involving Australian and American fire-fighter’s known as ‘Tour of Duty’.
‘A Firefighter’s Dream’ tells the tale of a boy whose fire-fighting father is killed on September 11 only to be left with the helmet his father wore on his dying day. In this respect, McCall mirrored the story of New York fire-fighter James Dowdell, whose father Kevin was lost with none of his bodily remains ever recovered.
‘A Firefighter’s Dream’ tells the tale of a boy whose fire-fighting father is killed on September 11 only to be left with the helmet his father wore on his dying day. In this respect, McCall mirrored the story of New York fire-fighter James Dowdell, whose father Kevin was lost with none of his bodily remains ever recovered.
His voice boomed like a beacon and it echoed in my soul
From the land of opportunity, reverberations roll
All across the mighty sea to where the Southern Cross stars gleam
I was listening…and I heard it…when he said…I have a dream…
Extract from ‘A Firefighter’s Dream’
by Rupert McCall
From the land of opportunity, reverberations roll
All across the mighty sea to where the Southern Cross stars gleam
I was listening…and I heard it…when he said…I have a dream…
Extract from ‘A Firefighter’s Dream’
by Rupert McCall
EXCERPT FROM AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ADDRESS TO US CONGRESS 2011
"In both our countries, true friends stick together.
Our nations do this, and our people do this as well.
Nothing better tells this truth than the story of two fire fighters.
Many Australians and Americans worked together in the late 1990s to be ready to protect the 2000 Sydney Olympics from possible terrorist attack.
One group of Australians spent two months in New York training and working, including a long time with New York's Fire Department Rescue 1.
They worked hard together and became more than colleagues - they became mates.
So when it was time to go home the Australian commander gave Rescue 1's chief his Australian Army "slouch hat" and the chief presented the Australians with a battle scarred fire helmet.
Dated December 1998 and signed by members of the Rescue 1 crew, including Kevin Dowdell
Three years later, Kevin Dowdell was one of the hundreds of New York firefighters killed when the towers came down.
Kevin led his men in. His remains were never found.
But that helmet was found ... in Australia.
And Aussie firefighter Rob Frey found Kevin's sons.
James Dowdell is one of New York's bravest, a firefighter like his father before him.
Patrick Dowdell is wearing his country's uniform in Afghanistan.
Rob came to America to give James the helmet his father signed.
A precious possession. A last link to a father lost.
And I give you their story. A precious possession too.
These two men are here today.Rob, James - good on you.
We are so proud of what you represent, your story says it all about the friendship between Australia and the United States."
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
"In both our countries, true friends stick together.
Our nations do this, and our people do this as well.
Nothing better tells this truth than the story of two fire fighters.
Many Australians and Americans worked together in the late 1990s to be ready to protect the 2000 Sydney Olympics from possible terrorist attack.
One group of Australians spent two months in New York training and working, including a long time with New York's Fire Department Rescue 1.
They worked hard together and became more than colleagues - they became mates.
So when it was time to go home the Australian commander gave Rescue 1's chief his Australian Army "slouch hat" and the chief presented the Australians with a battle scarred fire helmet.
Dated December 1998 and signed by members of the Rescue 1 crew, including Kevin Dowdell
Three years later, Kevin Dowdell was one of the hundreds of New York firefighters killed when the towers came down.
Kevin led his men in. His remains were never found.
But that helmet was found ... in Australia.
And Aussie firefighter Rob Frey found Kevin's sons.
James Dowdell is one of New York's bravest, a firefighter like his father before him.
Patrick Dowdell is wearing his country's uniform in Afghanistan.
Rob came to America to give James the helmet his father signed.
A precious possession. A last link to a father lost.
And I give you their story. A precious possession too.
These two men are here today.Rob, James - good on you.
We are so proud of what you represent, your story says it all about the friendship between Australia and the United States."
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard