The Boston Herald
By Chuck Maclean

BROCKTON, Mass. — Sixty-seven years and two months after the terrible day of the Brockton Strand Theatre fire, the families of 13 fallen firefighters were finally given a proper memorial to their sacrifice.

"We can never forget this day,'' said Michael Sites, grandson of Strand victim Henry Sullivan, "and what you have done for our families.''

A crowd of 700, including 300 firefighters from 20 departments across New England, gathered in front of Brockton City Hall to witness the unveiling of a bronze statue over 10 feet tall of a firefighter kneeling in mourning. The statue was etched in the likeness of retired Chief Edward L. Burrell, 93, the only surviving member of the crew who fought the Strand fire.

"It's a bittersweet moment,'' said Lt. Governor Tim Murray, who spoke at the ceremony. "No amount of time can ease the pain of the morning of March 10.''

Just after midnight on that date in 1941 the alarm sounded for a basement fire in the Strand Theatre, only a block from where City Hall and the memorial now stand. It would go on to become "the greatest tragedy in the history of the Brockton Fire Department,'' said Chief Kenneth Galligan.

The fire would claim 13 firefighters. It left 26 children fatherless.

"I wish my father was here to see this,'' said retired USMC Col. Daniel O'Brien, grandson of Strand victim Daniel C. O'Brien. "They did a wonderful job.''

Copyright 2008 Boston Herald Inc.