This special weekend will honor the service and sacrifice of your loved one and the other firefighters being honored this year.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is different than other memorial services you have attended. You will have opportunities to meet other families of fallen firefighters from across the country so that you can share experiences, make lasting friendships, and begin to look ahead.
Travel and Lodging
Immediate Family Members
The Foundation will provide meals at designated locations for family members of those being honored. These include a welcome dinner on Friday, all Saturday meals, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Other Family Members and Friends
Click here to find local lodging near the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend activities.
Meals
The Foundation will provide meals at designated locations for family members of those being honored. These include a Welcome Dinner on Friday, all Saturday meals, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Family Schedule
Friday, May 5, 2023
Travel Day
Family Hotel Complex
If you arrive by plane, train, or bus, local firefighters will meet you and take you to your hotel. This service is available for immediate family members only.
Family Registration
Family Hotel Complex
All family members need to register for the Memorial Weekend when they arrive at the family hotel.
Family Activities
Family Hotel Complex
- Create a luminary bag, which will be used during the Saturday evening Candlelight Service.
- Shop for keepsakes in the Foundation store, conveniently located near the family hotel.
- Relax with a gentle massage.
- Make a rubbing of your firefighter’s name on the bronze plaque.
Welcome Dinner and Orientation
Family Hotel Complex
Join other families of firefighters being honored this weekend for a welcome dinner and a brief overview of what to expect.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Family Registration
Family Hotel Complex
If you did not register on Friday, Registration will be open from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the family hotel.
Family Day Activities
Family Hotel Complex & NETC Campus
- Sign the Remembering Banner.
- Place a rose and light a candle for your fallen firefighter at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel.
- Take a walk or tour around the beautiful campus.
- Decorate a luminary bag if you did not have a chance to on Friday.
- Shop for keepsakes at the Foundation store, located near the National Memorial.
- Make a rubbing of your firefighter’s name on the bronze plaques
Family Lunch
Family Hotel Complex
Lunch for families will be served at the Family Hotel Complex.
Red Helmet Ride
NETC Campus
Before dinner, you can watch the parade of bikers riding in tribute to the fallen firefighters. A brief wreath-laying service will take place at the national monument.
Family Dinner
NETC Campus Dining Hall
Dinner for families and fire service escorts will be served in the campus dining hall.
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Families describe this beautiful evening service as a highlight of the Weekend. Talented survivors and firefighters provide music, and a candle is lit in honor of each firefighter being honored.
» More: Click Here for Information on the Candlelight Service
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Sea of Blue
NETC Campus
When you arrive on campus, members of the fire service will stand at attention in your honor as you pass through the Sea of Blue.
Memorial Service
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
This public ceremony is the official national tribute to America’s fallen firefighters, and including a traditional honor guard and bagpiper procession. During the ceremony, each family receives an American flag. The service concludes with the unveiling of the plaque listing the names of the honored fallen fire heroes.
