The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the campus of the United States Fire Administration will be open for the 2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, scheduled for May 2–3 in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The Foundation expressed its deep appreciation to the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and to all those who worked diligently to ensure the ceremonies will take place on the USFA campus. Their support enables Fire Hero Families and the fire service community to gather at the site of the National Memorial dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Today’s development allows the annual national tribute to take place, as planned, at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a site of deep significance to the fire service and to the families of our fallen firefighters.
During this year’s Memorial Weekend, the Foundation will honor 204 firefighters from across the nation who died in the line of duty. Nearly 1,000 family members are expected to gather to remember their loved ones and receive the nation’s gratitude.
“We are grateful that we will be able to gather at the National Memorial to honor these heroes and stand with their families,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “There is no more meaningful place to recognize their sacrifices and ensure their legacies are never forgotten.”
“Honoring America’s fallen firefighters is a national responsibility,” Stagnaro added. “We are thankful to everyone who helped make it possible for the fire service community and Fire Hero Families to come together in this sacred place during the partial government shutdown.”
Memorial Weekend will include the Candlelight Service on Saturday, May 2, and the National Memorial Service on Sunday, May 3. Both ceremonies will also be available via livestream for those unable to attend.
Sunday, May 3, will also mark the conclusion of “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters,” a national campaign starting April 26 in which landmarks, firehouses, and homes across America glow red in remembrance of firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
For more information about the 2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, please visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s website: weekend.firehero.org.
