Obama, McCain mourn Arizona firefighters
Obama, McCain mourn Arizona firefighters
01 July 2013
published by www.usatoday.com
USA — A pair of political opponents — President Obama and Sen. John McCain — came together Monday to mourn the 19 firefighters who died battling wildfires in Arizona.
“They were heroes,” Obama said in a statement, “highly skilled professionals who, like so many across our country do every day, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens they would never meet.”
McCain, the Arizona Republican who lost the 2008 election to Obama, said in a statement that “this devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation.”
Obama’s full statement:
“Yesterday, nineteen firefighters were killed in the line of duty while fighting a wildfire outside Yarnell, Arizona. They were heroes — highly-skilled professionals who, like so many across our country do every day, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens they would never meet.
“In recent days, hundreds of firefighters have battled extremely dangerous blazes across Arizona and the Southwest.
“The federal government is already assisting, and we will remain in close contact with state and local officials to provide the support they need. But today, Michelle and I join all Americans in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of these brave firefighters and all whose lives have been upended by this terrible tragedy.”
McCain’s statement:
“This evening, the families and loved ones of the brave firefighters who lost their lives battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in Central Arizona — as well as those still fighting the fire — are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.
“This devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
