Obituary of Michael R. Kennedy

Two Boston firefighters who were killed this week in a superheated nine-alarm fire in the city's Back Bay section were praised for their heroism at a solemn flag-raising ceremony this afternooon on City Hall Plaza. The raising of the fire department's flag was one of several public events planned today honoring Fire Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr., 43, and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, 33, who entered a four-story building at 298 Beacon St. Wednesday afternoon and became trapped by the smoke, heat and fire in the basement. "Today we pay tribute to Lieutenant Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, heroes who gave their lives to protect our city and its people," Walsh told the crowd gathered on the plaza. "Their courage will never be forgotten. Words cannot repay the debt of gratitude that we owe these men and their loved ones for the sacrifice that they made." Also , funeral arrangements were announced for the two men. Walsh's funeral is slated for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Patrick's Church in Watertown. Visiting hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the church, the Stanton Funeral Home of Watertown announced. Kennedy's funeral is slated for 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name church in West Roxbury. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. His wake will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral home in West Roxbury. At the flag-raising ceremony, the Rev. Daniel J. Mahoney, the department chaplain, said Walsh and Kennedy "made the supreme sacrifice … in the highest traditions of the Boston Fire Department." "May each one of us this afternoon pray today and always for Fire Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy," he said. He said the actions of Walsh and Kennedy, who rushed into a burning building, "spoke far more eloquently of themselves than any of us ever could. ... Truly, Boston firefighters are the bravest of the brave." Relatives of the two firefighters, including their mothers, were among those attending. Walsh acknowledged their presence, saying they were "truly an inspiration and a power of strength." Two Boston firefighters who were killed this week in a superheated nine-alarm fire in the city's Back Bay section were praised for their heroism at a solemn flag-raising ceremony this afternooon on City Hall Plaza. The raising of the fire department's flag was one of several public events planned today honoring Fire Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr., 43, and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, 33, who entered a four-story building at 298 Beacon St. Wednesday afternoon and became trapped by the smoke, heat and fire in the basement. "Today we pay tribute to Lieutenant Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, heroes who gave their lives to protect our city and its people," Walsh told the crowd gathered on the plaza. "Their courage will never be forgotten. Words cannot repay the debt of gratitude that we owe these men and their loved ones for the sacrifice that they made." Also , funeral arrangements were announced for the two men. Walsh's funeral is slated for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Patrick's Church in Watertown. Visiting hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the church, the Stanton Funeral Home of Watertown announced. Kennedy's funeral is slated for 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name church in West Roxbury. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. His wake will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral home in West Roxbury. At the flag-raising ceremony, the Rev. Daniel J. Mahoney, the department chaplain, said Walsh and Kennedy "made the supreme sacrifice … in the highest traditions of the Boston Fire Department." "May each one of us this afternoon pray today and always for Fire Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy," he said. He said the actions of Walsh and Kennedy, who rushed into a burning building, "spoke far more eloquently of themselves than any of us ever could. ... Truly, Boston firefighters are the bravest of the brave." Relatives of the two firefighters, including their mothers, were among those attending. Walsh acknowledged their presence, saying they were "truly an inspiration and a power of strength." The department's red flag was raised as firefighters, including members of Engine 33 and Ladder 15, who were colleagues of Walsh and Kennedy, saluted. Bagpipes skirled, playing "Amazing Grace." The blue flag of the International Association of Fire Fighters was also raised. District Fire Chief Dennis Costin said firefighters have been touched by the outpouring of public support, which has provided them a measure of comfort. "This means a lot to us," he said. "Certainly, more than I can express." A vigil is slated for this evening outside the Centre Street fire station where Walsh once worked, followed by a prayer service at Holy Name church, where Walsh was a familiar sight playing basketball at the Holy Name Parish School courtyard, according to state Representative Ed Coppinger, who represents West Roxbury.