PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It was an annual event on Monday to honor a group of truly unsung heroes: Thanksgiving lunch for the widows of Philadelphia firefighters hosted by the firefighters union.

Never let it be said that Philadelphia firefighters forget their comrades. Even after they have passed away, active fire fighters are looking out for their widows. They raise money all year and in the week before Thanksgiving, serve them a turkey lunch, complete with dancing, and send them home with gifts and groceries.

“It’s just great, I love it. It’s a great group of men.” said Mary Beeker who came with her friend Mary Lieble. Their husbands worked together in the 62, in Bustleton, for decades before each passed away.

“It’s nice getting together again with a group of people like this. We really enjoy coming,” Lieble said.

Karen Boyle, union secretary, said the intensity of the job forms a bond among firefighters that extends to each member’s families and it is comforting to take care of the widows of those who’ve passed on.

“It’s a thank you to them for being part of our extended family. They’re not forgotten, they’re always with us and we love them dearly,” Boyle said.

Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio 1060