Be a part of the national remembrance for fallen firefighters
October 3 – 4, 2020
The sound of a bell holds special significance for firefighters. Historically, the toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station.
Departments sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice. This time-honored tradition continues today during the funerals or memorial services for firefighters.
For the eighth year, bells will ring from coast to coast as a grateful nation pauses on Sunday, October 4, 2020 to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019 and previous years. Fire departments and their places of worship will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is asking communities, fire service organizations, and religious organizations to help us honor our fallen firefighters by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. A moment of remembrance can occur at any time leading up to and including Memorial Weekend. Fire department representatives are encouraged to work with their clergy and community leaders to develop an appropriate tribute.
How to organize a local Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters remembrance
1. Plan Your Event
Reach out to your place of worship, local fire department(s), or community groups that you are involved in to organize a tribute for fallen firefighters. You may also want to add a special tribute to an existing event such as a sporting event, performance, or other local event.
2. Sign Up to Participate
We want to recognize your participation on our website, visit www.firehero.org/bells-signup to share your event with the NFFF. Your event will be listed on our website and pinned on our special Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters map.
3. Promote Your Event
Once you have planned your event, invite family, friends, and neighbors using social media, email, newsletters, and list-serves.
4. Hold Your Event
A remembrance can occur at any time between September 27 – October 4, 2020 leading up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
5. Share Your Story
The NFFF would like to feature examples of events to show our families how their loved ones were honored. We would also like to give future participants ideas to plan an event in their community. Email us at bells@firehero.org and/or share with #bellsforfirefighters2020
