The names of 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the 45th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, May 2–3, 2026, as families, fire service leaders and communities across the country gather to honor their lives and sacrifice.
The congressionally established National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, serves as the nation’s official monument honoring firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Newly honored firefighters are permanently added to the memorial each year during Memorial Weekend. Hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the annual Memorial Weekend brings hundreds of Fire Hero families, fire service leaders, government officials and supporters together for ceremonies of remembrance, reflection and national tribute.
“The loss of these 204 fallen firefighters is felt most deeply by the families and loved ones left behind. They were parents, partners, colleagues and friends who will forever be remembered for their bravery and their devotion to duty,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we will add their names to the National Memorial, ensuring they are remembered by a grateful nation.”
This year’s honorees, known as the Roll of Honor, include 97 lost in 2025 and 107 from previous years.
“For 45 years, this weekend has allowed us to collectively pause to reflect and remember those who always answered the call to protect our communities without hesitation,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. “As we honor their lives, this moment is also about giving their families and departments our unwavering support. We stand tall beside them with gratitude and respect. Their Fire Hero will never be forgotten.”
National Memorial Ceremonies:
Two public ceremonies on the National Memorial grounds will be live streamed at weekend.firehero.org and on the NFFF’s YouTube and Facebook channels:
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- Candlelight Service: Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 pm (ET)
- Memorial Service: Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 pm (ET)
A Nationwide Call to Participate:
The public is invited to participate in the NFFF’s annual Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute. During Light the Night, prominent landmarks, businesses, firehouses, and residences in all 50 states will illuminate red in remembrance of fallen firefighters and in support of their families.
Additional ways to get involved include:
- Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters: Firehouses, churches and other institutions can ring bells in remembrance on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3.
- Sound the Sirens: Inviting fire departments nationwide to sound their sirens simultaneously at noon on Sunday, May 3.
- Joining all federal buildings, including the White House and the U.S. Capitol, in lowering the American flag to half-staff on Sunday, May 3.
- Issuing a proclamation is also encouraged for municipalities.
In addition to these public events, 2026 Memorial Weekend includes private programming for loved ones and departments of the honored firefighters, offering them dedicated spaces for reflection, support and connection to other Fire Hero families.
Participants are highly encouraged to share photos and videos during this year’s milestone weekend to NFFF via email at photos@firehero.org, and to use hashtags #FireHero2026 and #NFFF when sharing on social media. Please visit weekend.firehero.org or visit NFFF’s Instagram, Facebook and X for programming updates.
