Icons of America

I have been trying to get this shot for several months. It is Fire Station 10 on McDuff Avenue, Riverside, Jacksonville.

Previously, parked vehicles have prevented this view, which encapsulates three icons of America -- firefighters; Coca-Cola; and the Stars and Stripes.

I expect all American viewers to stand to attention, put their right hand on their hearts and start singing, "O say can you see..."

Firefighters have always had a special place in the hearts of the communities that they serve be, it in the US or UK.

I always used to enjoy my visits to Mossley Fire Station when I was a newspaper reporter. Firemen are pragmatic, down to earth people who also have a wicked sense of humour -- it helps to cope with the awful sights they witness.

In the US, the firefighters of New York City were heroes in their response to the mayhem and destruction of the 9/11 attacks.

Unlike, police officers, firefighters don't have that edge to their personalities in view of their occupation. And unlike police officers, their image is not tarnished by a few rotten apples. I don't think there is such a thing as a bent fireman or any record of a firemen looking the other way as a building burns to the ground.

They are honest people doing an honest job for which we are all eternally grateful.