WASHINGTON — The Brice family held a celebration of life after the family was struck by tragedy earlier this month: their sons, 6-year-old William and 3-year-old Zachariah, died in a fire at their grandparent's house in Clifton.
To celebrate their lives, the parents, supported by the community, cherished the memories of the kids on Saturday at the event.
"Both boys liked to party, and we wanted to throw them a party, and we are really grateful that the community responded," said James Brice, the boys' father.
The Fire
The fire started when the parents were at work, and William and Zachariah were home with their grandparents and their 8-year-old brother.
Alerted to the fire, James Brice raced to his parents' home and learned they and his 8-year-old son had escaped, but his younger sons did not.
Emergency Services rescued they boys and took them to the hospital. After several attempts to restart their hearts, William and Zachariah died together a couple of days later.
Their Legacy
Firefighters said they found William covering Zachariah, trying to shield his little brother from danger. The Brice family told WUSA9 this was no surprise as their bond was "the strongest."
Following an "honor walk" that took place at the Children's National Hospital, the hospital the boys were taken to in Washington, D.C., William and Zachariah – the Brice brothers – were together until the end and their legacy remains as their organs are being donated to help other kids.
James Brice said, “Their hearts are hopefully gonna go on and the recipients are going to be able to have those big hearts in them."
WATCH NEXT: 'He went back to protect him' | Family says boys killed in house fire had an unbreakable bond
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