48th Biennial Convention Opening Ceremonies

August 28, 2006 - Celebrating a theme of “Two Great Nations – One Great Union” the IAFF 48th Biennial Convention opened Monday morning at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in a ceremony that combined music and pageantry and solemn remembrance and a vision for taking the IAFF to greater heights.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger delivered a rousing state of the union address (see page one) and ceremony highlights included performances by U.S. American Idol participant Anthony Federov, who sang the U.S. National Anthem, and Canadian Idol participant Rob James, who sang “O Canada.”

A special video welcome and tribute to Canada showcased the nation’s diverse landscapes and the cities protected by Canada’s 20,000 IAFF members. The tribute was punctuated by the unique puppetry of Toronto’s Famous People Players. Schaitberger also thanked Toronto Local 3888 President Scott Marks, his Executive Board and his members for the excellent work they have done in preparing for and hosting the IAFF Convention.

During a solemn part of the ceremony, pictures of the 110 IAFF members who have died in the line of duty in the past two years appeared in a video tribute, with their names projected onto a backdrop beside the main stage.

The Convention Opening Ceremonies also included a special tribute to U.S. and Canadian IAFF members serving overseas, along with the names and pictures of four IAFF members who have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as members of the Armed Forces.