During the Memorial Weekend, there are many ways the fire service can pay their respects to America's fallen firefighters and their families.
Members of the fire service make the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend a special time for the families of our fallen heroes.
We recognize that firefighters who lose a fellow firefighter in the line of duty are survivors, too. We want you to be part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend activities. You have the opportunity to serve as a Fire Service Escort to the family of your fallen firefighter.
Family Escorts represent the fire service family and create a lasting impression. The escorts who have accompanied families to weekend events in the past describe it as an unforgettable experience. Families also tell us how much it means to them to have a member of their loved one’s department escort them during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
Families arrive at the Memorial and are escorted through a “Sea of Blue” leading to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Uniformed fire service personnel line the Walk of Honor® in honor and support of our families.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for sharing and healing for the families and co-workers of our fallen firefighters. Representatives from Honor Guard and Pipe Band Units participate as part of this solemn tribute and commemoration of your loved ones. Many families have told us how much they appreciate the honor bestowed upon their loved ones at the National Tribute.
The Memorial weekend is good for my soul. I really feel the true spirit of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Memorial Weekend re-charges my batteries. It feels so good to give back and help honor the Fallen and their families. I have made friends with people from all over the country that will last a lifetime.
Ways You Can Serve
Red Helmets Ride
Departments Who Lost a Firefighter in the Line of Duty
How Can I Serve With The Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums
How Can I Be a Family Escort?
Honor Guards from all over the nation come together as one and surround the families with love, support and compassion while bestowing the highest honors to our nation’s bravest. We help them to understand it’s OK to not be OK, to take a step forward when they are ready, to take a step backward when needed or just to stand still for a bit. It’s their journey, and it our privilege to walk alongside of them. We honor the fallen by continuing to serve our communities just as they did and supporting their family through their journey of healing.
Attending the National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight & Memorial Services
Both the Candlelight Service and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service are open to the public. However, if weather or other factors prohibit holding the Candlelight Service outdoors at 7:30 pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023, it will be limited to the families of the fallen firefighters due to indoor space limitations. The Memorial Service begins at 10:00 am on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Parking for Memorial Weekend is at Liberty Mountain Resort (78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA). Shuttles from Liberty Mountain Resort will begin at 3:30pm on Saturday, May 6, for the Candlelight Service and at 7:30am on Sunday, May 7 for the Memorial Service. Plan to arrive at the parking area at least an hour ahead of time as you will need to go through a security checkpoint on campus.
