National Fallen Firefighters Foundation News Release

» More: 2007 Memorial Weekend Photos

Every October, at the start of Fire Prevention Week, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the U.S. Fire Administration and the fire service honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the previous year during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. On October 7, the lives of 87 fallen bravest in 2006 and 4 from previous years who gave their lives were celebrated.

Families and fire departments from across the county came together at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, to support one another, and begin a journey of healing.

Photo by Bill Green for the NFFF

Fire service survivors, whose loved ones are enshrined on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, returned to help new families who have just begun to travel the difficult path of losing a loved one. Starting on Friday afternoon, fire service personnel met the families at local airports and provided transportation to the family hotels. The 580 new family members were welcomed by 125 returning fire service survivors, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff and fire service volunteers.

After checking in, families wrote messages for their loved ones on the Remembrance Banner. Fire Service Clowns brought smiles to both children and adults during family registration. They also helped the children decorate luminary bags used in the Saturday Candlelight Service. Later that evening, a reception gave all of the families a chance to relax and to meet other people who were experiencing similar feelings.

While families arrived at area hotels, fire department members from across the U.S., representing all branches of the fire service, arrived at the National Emergency Training Center. Old friends, and new fire service members participating in this year's event greeted each other and helped prepare for the Weekend's many activities.

On Saturday morning, families arrived on campus and were welcomed by Foundation staff during the opening session. Every family received information on the activities available to them. Families then met their assigned escorts from the 170 fire service escorts who volunteered for the Weekend. These men and women represented 48 departments, 40 of those from departments of fallen firefighters being honored this year, guided families through Weekend activities and attended to their needs.

Photo by Jenni McClelland, NFFF

Group sessions gave family members a chance to meet and talk with other survivors who are traveling the same road they are as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or co-worker of a fallen firefighter. Each session was tailored to the specific needs of each family member or co-worker to help them through the loss of their loved one. Fire Service Clowns continued to bring laughter and healing through children's activities and the luminary bag activity.

While 156 honor guard and bag pipe units practiced for Sunday's Memorial Service, new family members participated in Family Day activities. The Honor Guard stood vigil in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel where family members of new and returning survivors lit candles and placed roses in memory of their firefighter. In the Memorial Park, returning survivors helped with rubbings of the memorial plaques and Walk of Honor bricks. The Annual Red Helmet Ride brought firefighter motorcycle enthusiasts to campus to also pay tribute to the families. A wreath was placed at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in honor of all firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Photo by Bill Green for the NFFF

In the evening, families and firefighters made their way to the beautiful Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton adjacent to campus. Families lit candles placed in specially decorated luminaria in memory of their fallen firefighter. Words of comfort and hope were offered by another Survivor, Mr. Karl Brimer, whose son Matt was honored in 2004.

During the service, survivors and members of the fire service performed musical tributes to the Nation's fallen bravest and their families. The names, photos, and a memory of each fallen firefighter were displayed after all of the candles were lit. As the ceremony closed, returning survivors shared the light from the Remembrance Candle, which is a symbol of the hope and enduring friendship shared by all who have lost a firefighter.

Photo by Jenni McClelland, NFFF

As the Sunday sun came up over the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, members of the fire service gathered for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. This national tribute brought 7,000 people from all over the country, from all walks of life and from all branches of the fire service to embrace, comfort, and honor the families whose loved ones were lost in the line of duty.

Families arrived and were escorted through a "Sea of Blue" leading to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Over 800 uniformed fire service personnel lined the Walk of Honor in honor and support of our new families.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Hal Bruno began the Service with a welcome to the families, distinguished guests and members of the fire service. "Today we honor our fallen firefighters by caring for their families," he stated.

A procession of Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Units surrounded the families and the memorial grounds. The colors were presented and Firefighter Tim Mooney of the Baltimore City Fire Department sang the national anthem. This year's Pledge of Allegiance was led by the family of Firefighter Russell B. Schwantes, who died in the line of duty in 2006.

After the invocation, Chief Greg Cade, U.S. Fire Administrator introduced House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who was this year's keynote speaker.

FEMA Director, R. David Paulison then introduced President George W. Bush, who would observe the entire service with the families and the fire service. The President spoke to the crowd about the dedication and fellowship of the fire service. "From New York after 9/11, to New Orleans after Katrina, there were firefighters from around the country there to help. The bond between the firefighters is obviously unique; it is definitely a source of strength. And it's a reminder that the work here is a calling, not a job." He thanked the Foundation for ensuring that the families of our fallen brothers and sisters "are well treated." He also assured the fire service that the "Hometown Heroes Act will be fully implemented. This program will be administrated the way it was intended to be administrated. That's the least we can do as we honor the families of those who have died in the line of service."

Photo by Bill Green for the NFFF

Following his remarks, the President took the next few hours, in the record breaking heat, to speak with each of the 91 families being honored. Each family was presented with a flag flown over both the U.S. Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a red rose, and a badge.

The President placed a wreath at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and unveiled the 2006 bronze plaque with the names of the fallen firefighters. A lone bagpiper played Amazing Grace in memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The tolling of the Memorial bell took place after Mr. Dennis Smith explained its significance in the fire service. 5-5-5 was rung out to signify that our fallen firefighters had "returned to quarters."

Photo by Jenni McClelland, NFFF

The service concluded with the benediction and the honor guard and pipes and drums recessional.

During the 2007 Memorial Weekend, as in years past, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the fire service, and returning survivors embraced the newest members of its fire service family. Comfort and healing was provided to families of fallen brothers and sisters. Their sacrifice and all of those who have traveled the same journey of losing a beloved firefighter will always be honored, and they will never be forgotten.