Convention Opens With Tribute to 90 Years of Service

August 11, 2008 -- The IAFF 49th Convention opened Monday in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony that paid tribute to “90 Years of Service” with an exciting mixture of music, imagery and performance art.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger delivered a powerful state-of-the-union speech, focusing on the advances that IAFF leaders and members have made through hard work over the past 90 years and recognizing the hard work that is needed to hold on to those advances and fight for more in the future.

IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer Vinnie Bollon took the stage as well in a ceremony that also paid tribute to the 16 IAFF District Vice Presidents, Trustees and Emeritus officers.

Thousands of delegates and guests witnessed an Opening Ceremony that began with an inspirational performance by Grammy-winning gospel singer Sandi Patty, who was joined on stage by the Las Vegas Mass Choir.

A special video documentary showcased the IAFF’s 90-year history of fighting on behalf of professional fire fighters in the United States and Canada, from the early days when fire fighters first organized to protest inhumane working conditions, to the founding of the IAFF in 1918 and through the decades to the powerful union the International is today.

Another special video paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces serving overseas.

The ceremony also featured a moving tribute to IAFF members who have died in the line of duty in the past two years, punctuated by a musical tribute titled, “Our Brothers and Sisters,” performed by Sandi Patty and the Las Vegas Mass Choir.

Performance artist Michael Israel amazed the audience by creating two stunning pieces of artwork live on stage. One of the artworks, “Tribute to Fire Fighters as Soldiers,” depicted the silhouette of a soldier in front of the American flag. Both works will be raffled off during Convention, with proceeds benefiting the IAFF Burn Foundation.

A highlight video of the Opening Ceremony, including all videos used in the ceremony, will be available by request 4-6 weeks after Convention. Contact Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell at (202) 824 1578 or email lmoore@iaff.org.