Each year, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
» Also: National Remembrance of Fallen Firefighters Moves to May in 2023
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for sharing and healing for the families of our fallen firefighters.
Both the Candlelight Service and Memorial Service are open to the public unless weather or other factors prohibit holding the service outdoors.
Light your landmarks, fire departments, and homes in red during Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters on October 2 – 9, 2022.
Bells will ring from as a grateful nation pauses on October 9, 2022 to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2021 and previous years.
Returning Families begin to arrive and prepare to greet and support new families.
Friday is a travel day for our new families and members of the fire service from across the U.S.
Following a year of reduced, postponed, and virtual events brought on by the COVID pandemic, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend marked its 40th anniversary October 2-3 by returning to an in-person event in Emmitsburg, Maryland, honoring 215 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2020 and 2019 and in previous years.
Thank you to the American Fire Service and everyone who volunteered to make the 2021 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend a reality for the families of the nation’s fallen firefighters. It was the first in-person national firefighter or police memorial service held since 2019!
America’s fallen fire heroes, who died in the line of duty, were honored at the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 2-3, 2021. The names of 215 firefighters became a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices.
"Everyone made this the most impactful event of my life and I am so grateful."
"My son and I are in awe of what you and the people at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation were able to accomplish for so many families."
"Receiving the folded flag for my little brother was such an honor."
"I couldn’t even ask for my beautiful service it was absolutely perfect, and the weather was perfect, and all the volunteers were awesome."
"This was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget, I wouldn't change a thing. It made my heart very happy!!"
"I was there to honor my hero Todd Lanthrip this year. Very touching services. Thank you, NFFF, for what you do for us that’s left behind."
"I was deeply moved by the support and love from the firefighters at the airport when we arrived at the hotel and the wonderful staff of NFFF. Thank you for all you do."
We are working hard to provide important resources, workshops, and timely information to help both firefighters and our Fire Hero Families stay connected and well during these unprecedented times. These new resources can be found here on our website, shared through E-mail, and through our social media channels.
