In Memoriam
On June 30, 2013, nineteen Granite Mountain "Hotshot" firefighters from Prescott, AZ, lost their lives while fighting the Yarnell Hill fire northwest of Phoenix. Michael Mazzatenta, an Arizona resident, said: "I was so moved by the televised memorial that I felt compelled to respond with a musical tribute in honor of those fallen.” The single, hymn-like theme is framed by an introduction and closing which include 19 tolled notes, representing the 19 heroes of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. While dedicated to these firefighters, this powerful and moving work is appropriate for any memorial event. It is 121 measures in length.