America’s fallen fire heroes, who died in the line of duty, will be honored at the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 2-3, 2021. The names of 215 firefighters will become a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices.
If you have only recently learned about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, you are not alone. Many families aren’t introduced to the Foundation until after they’ve experienced a tragic loss. Sandra Clinton was no exception—until she was notified that her husband Madison would be honored at Memorial Weekend 2019.
Last week, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation announced the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is currently planned to be held in-person on October 2-3, 2021, on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Due to the global pandemic there continues to be uncertainties, about COVID-19 restrictions, and challenges the pandemic may bring.
We are honored to continue the tradition of gathering in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this October to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Emmitsburg, Maryland was calmer than it should rightly have been on Saturday evening, October 3, 2020. What should have been a bustling National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was instead a quieter time, as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of our official memorial events.
On Sunday, October 4, at 10:00 am EDT, the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019 and 21 firefighters who died in previous years will be remembered in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s production of America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters. This 45-minute special will be available to watch on www.firehero.org and through the NFFF’s social media platforms.
Even during these extraordinary times, we find comfort and hope in coming together to support one another. This fall, communities can join us for the tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty while protecting our neighborhoods. During this annual tribute, communities, faith congregations, and fire departments ring their bells on the weekend of the national tribute for fallen firefighters.
Even though we cannot be together in Emmitsburg this fall for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, it is more important than ever to show our Fire Hero Families and firefighters that we will always honor and remember our nation’s heroes. The Foundation invites individuals, communities, organizations, landmarks, and fire departments to join us for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.
Our volunteers, staff and Board of Directors evaluated many options to continue the tradition of gathering in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this October. While we are disappointed to postpone the 2020 Memorial Weekend events, it is important to know that the nation’s fallen firefighters will not be forgotten. On October 4, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will broadcast a National Tribute to honor America’s Fallen Firefighters.
Many of you may be wondering how this will impact the 2020 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 3-4, 2020. At this time, no decision has been made.
