Whenever there’s a call for help our nation’s firefighters respond without hesitation. They are our local heroes. This October, you can be a hero to the fire service by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters.
Fire departments, places of worship, community organizations and individuals from coast to coast are asked to join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in this poignant tribute as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 11 and 12.
The bells at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, Maryland will ring as the Memorial Service begins on Sunday, October 12. But local groups can hold the moment of remembrance at any time during Memorial Weekend. Fire department representatives are encouraged to work with their clergy and community leaders to develop an appropriate tribute. Some suggestions include: ringing chapel bells, a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, or tolling a ceremonial bell by members of the fire department.
“Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a unique opportunity for the public to pay their respects to these brave men and women who served their communities with honor and bravery,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “It’s also a very meaningful way to show the survivors of the fallen that their loved ones will not be forgotten.”
More than 6,000 people, including Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters will attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Families will receive flags flown over the National Memorial.
For more information about participating and to download sample invitation letters, press release and response form, please visit www.BellsAcrossAmerica.com.
A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information is available at Weekend.Firehero.org.
