The Fire Fighters Page(s)

This incredible graphic was sent to me without any information on who the srtist is - I wanted to share it with you so much that I have posted it here.  And my pleas for information have prompted the following response from my "new friend" Allan Albaitis who has give me permission to display his work as below and link back to his site: This graphic is actually a photograph of a FDNY firefighter at GZ composited with a clip-art angel. There are several versions. One has two angels in it and another is the same as this one but in B&W. The photo is by Matthew McDermott /Corbus Sygma. That photo is in the November issue of Men’s Journal.

The Hildebrandt Brothers (big time Fantasy artists,Tolkien etc.) have the same thing out but it actually is a painting. Check out a variation on the same theme: Brothers Hildebrandt Spiderwebart Gallery Proceeds from the sale of this art work "The Day the Angels Cried" goes to assist families of the fallen Fire Fighters.

The art work featured below is by a Fire Fighter and Artist, Allan Albaitis and you can
purchase this and other works at his site; coincidentally called Earth Angels.
I know you will ALL respect my request to not copy these images - please follow the
links to their sites and purchase the prints, ask permission of the artists.
Thank You

"Once again, veteran firefighter and artist Allan Albaitis has hit the mark and touched the hearts of America's Bravest. Only one who has been there could know how to communicate this degree of intensity. Earth Angels features two, in the trenches, firefighters each carrying a child to safety."  In the inimitable Albaitis form, Earth Angels contains image within image. The background is not only a threatening wall of fire, it also paradoxically forms the wings of angels behind the sweat streaked rescuers. This striking illusion walks the thin line necessary to deliver the emotional double shot that is at the heart of FireArt.

The Celestial 343

They must have lived such lives, these men

To be so rewarded
A pained end thus thwarted.
Their step into the Grand Mystery
As steady and true as their hearts must be.

Not one at a time, no
As most common men go
By sickbed or folly or woe self induced.
A solo departure would leave them bemused.

T'was never the wont of
Such souls who exude love
Of life and all that's come to this rest.
Nay, their course was 343 abreast!

Sworn to serve others
This true Band of Brothers
All marched, chins high and backs so straight
As one they strode through the Celestial Gate
And entered the Realm of Heaven.

Indeed, they lived such lives.

poem by
Firefighter Allan Albaitis

Again this is an original work, please respect this and dont
"borrow" it - the link to contact Allan are above

If there are other fire fighters who wish to share their thoughts, art, poetry
with others on the internet and do not have websites of their own please
contact me. I would be honoured to have your work on my site.