The Foundation invites families of fallen firefighters honored in previous years to attend and volunteer at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Many of you have attended the events and know how special and healing the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is for the fire service family.
We have a full schedule of events planned for returning families and many opportunities to volunteer. Returning family members are the best source of support for new family members attending the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for the first time.
Returning Family Schedule
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Honor Guard members and returning family members will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Bus transportation will be provided.
Friday, October 1, 2021
Memorial Weekend Registration
Family Hotel Complex
Returning families can register for Memorial Weekend events and receive your credentials at the family hotel.
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Family Day Activities
Family Hotel Complex & NETC Campus
- Sign the special remembering banner for returning families.
- Take a walking tour of the NETC beautiful campus, including the monument, the Walk of Honor®, the 9/11 statue, and the nearby Seton Shrine grounds.
Returning Families Chapel Vigil
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel
Spend a few quiet moments in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel on Saturday morning. Light a candle and place a rose in honor of your firefighter.
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.
Candlelight Service
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Families describe this beautiful evening service as a highlight of the Memorial Weekend. Talented family members 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, October 3, 2021
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.
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.
