Across from Lloyd’s Market is a memorial to Rochester’s fire fighters. Both the land and the money to build the memorial (constructed by Rochester firefighters) was donated by Mrs. Lorraine Vaughan after the death of her husband, Lloyd Sr., a long time Rochester resident and firefighter. The memorial has been inscribed with the names of firefighters who have died since the fire department was created in 1945. The memorial was dedicated on June 10, 2001.
The creation of the Firefighters’ Memorial began a tradition that lasted for several years. The second graders would walk over from the school to beautify the area. Using digging tools, watering cans and parent volunteers, they planted flowers. In this picture from 2007, they are planting geraniums donated by R.F. Morse and delivered by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ciaburri. The Highway, Fire and Police Departments also lent a helping hand.
So, by my calculations, if you were an RMS 2nd grader in 2007 you would be 19 or 20 yrs. old today. I wonder if you can recognize yourself in the picture.
By Connie Eshbach
