Have you had a chance to see The Firefighter's Monument that was unveiled in the summer of 2006? It is a collage of the events that involved the New York Fire Department on 9/11. It is 56 feet long and is a bronze mass that has the names of the 343 NYFD personnel who gave their lives that day. It was dedicated to the firefighters "who fell and to those who carry on." It rests on the site of "10 House", the home of Engine Company 10 and Ladder Company 10, across Liberty Street from the World Trade Center.

All of us have heard the stories of 9/11. Even to say the word fireman, a person cannot help but associate the events of 9/11 to the profession. It is a job that could require a person to lay down his or her life for strangers and friends alike.

I have an uncle who is a fireman. I know that angels watch over him as he protects and serves his community. I am sure there have been many thoughts and prayers have kept him serving all of these years.

We drew names for Christmas last year and I got Uncle Tim's name. I saw all sorts of fireman gifts that I could have gotten. The one that really got my attention was a fireman angel.

Fireman angels pay homage to firemen in a way no other gift can. I saw one that had an angel holding a fireman hat and the caption read "Courage". That was very moving to me. That is the one I gave Uncle Tim and he loved it. It even inspired my aunt to begin a collection. She wants to be able to give it to their children one day for keepsake items.

I would have to say it is one of the best gifts I have ever given. There are many types of fireman angels to choose from. You can pick one that is just right for your gift giving. There are firemen prayer angels that have a prayer inscribed on the figurine. Other fireman angels serve as nightlights, or there are even memorial angels for a fireman you may know who has left a legacy.

This is a gift that doesn't have to be for a fireman. A fireman angel would be a lovely gift for a child or teen who is aspiring to be a fireman when they grow up. Whatever your situation, fireman angels are inspiring and thoughtful gifts.