Sample Proclamation
Whereas, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to half-staff; and Whereas, an average of 80 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and
Whereas, firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our local community; and
Whereas, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend marks the weekend following International Firefighters’ Day 2023; and
Whereas, it is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries, and property losses from fire;
Therefore, I (title) of the (municipality), now call upon all citizens of the (municipality) and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the day of May 7, 2023, in recognition of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire and emergency services personnel by lowering American flags on all buildings to half-staff.
I respectfully encourage these same organizations as well as the citizens of the (municipality) to remember all fire and emergency personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. Toll a bell, pause for a moment of silence, or read a special passage to honor the sacrifices of these public servants and their families. I encourage our citizens to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to duties, have rendered invaluable service to our community and its citizens.
I encourage appropriate services and ceremonies in which all of our citizens may participate to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to duties, have rendered invaluable service to our community and its citizens.
(A section on Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters and Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters activities could be inserted here.)
In witness thereof, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Seal of the (municipality) to be affixed.