During this special tribute, the fire service can pay their respects to FDNY's fallen firefighters and their families.
Members of the fire service will play a vital role in making the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/FDNY Memorial a meaningful and comforting experience for the families of our fallen heroes. We know that when a firefighter is lost in the line of duty, their brothers and sisters in the fire service will carry that loss as well—you are survivors, too.
We invite you to stand with us at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/FDNY Memorial. This solemn tribute will be not only for the families but also for the co-workers and fellow firefighters who shared in their service and sacrifice.
The ceremony will include Honor Guard Units, whose presence will add dignity and reverence, the FDNY Pipes and Drums, whose tunes will honor the fallen with solemn tribute, and FDNY firefighters will serve as Fire Service Escorts, walking alongside the families of the fallen. Many families have told us how much they appreciate the honor bestowed upon their loved ones during our National Tributes.
Your participation will ensure that no firefighter is ever forgotten, and no family will walk this journey alone.
We are seeking Honor Guard members to support several ceremonial elements, similar to those in Emmitsburg. These will include, but are not limited to:
- Fire Hero Family Flag: Posted at the entrance of the venue before the families arrive and kept in place until the start of the service.
- Sea of Blue: Formed from the parking area to the entrance before the ceremony begins.
- Flag Bearer Team: A group to carry the folded flag to the designated presenter, chosen by the FDNY and NFFF.
- Luminary Detail: Responsible for lighting luminaries decorated by local schoolchildren for the families.
- General Support: Additional tasks as needed during and following the event, including post-dinner demobilization.
Please Note: FDNY Pipes and Drums will be the sole band performing at the ceremony. There will be no mass band for this event.
Schedule
Arrival
Please arrive no later than 1330 hours
Mandatory Meeting & Practice
Begins promptly at 1400 hours in the tennis bubble next to the gym; Class B uniform is required.
Assemble
Honor Guards will assemble at 1200 hours at the tennis bubble. Please eat before arriving, as we will not be able to leave once on site.
Dinner
Dinner will be provided via food trucks courtesy of the FDNY after the service.
Demobilization
After dinner, we will assist with breakdown; please be prepared to change back into Class B uniform.
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.