Phoenix rising
April 18, 1906 – it's a date that holds special meaning for us here in San Francisco. This year is the 106th anniversary of the earthquake and fires that destroyed much of the city, killed thousands, and displaced over a quarter of a million people.
But our our modest commemorations aren't concerned with the disaster itself. Instead we pay homage each year to those who remained and rebuilt the city. Our city seal bears the Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes more gloriously than before, in token of that achievement.
In this we are not unique in San Francisco. All great cities have similar stories: Chicago after the Great Fire in 1871, Lisbon after the earthquake, tsunami, and fire in 1799, London after the Great Fire in 1666 to name but a few. In each case, people came together to rebuild and to carry on. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.
I believe that the highest duty emergency managers owe to those we serve is to build resilient communities. I always find this a good day to reflect on that duty.