EMMITSBURG, Md. – The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host the 42nd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (Memorial Weekend) on May 6-7, 2023 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year’s national tribute will honor 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 65 firefighters who died in previous years. Detailed information about the 144 firefighters being honored is included in the 2023 Roll of Honor.
“National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are honoring this year. We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these 144 heroes,” said Troy Markel, Board Chair of the NFFF.
There are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center during Memorial Weekend.
• The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is on May 6 at 7:30 pm ET and will be hosted by Fire Captain Garon Mosby of the St. Louis Fire Department.
• The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on May 7 at 10:00 am ET and will be hosted by journalist Hillary Howard.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is scheduled to address the thousands of attendees at the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 7. The NFFF will live stream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
There are additional events during Memorial Weekend provided exclusively for the families and fire departments of honored firefighters. These include small group sessions and other activities throughout Friday and Saturday; they are open to the families and coworkers of newly honored and previously honored firefighters.
Those not attending Memorial Weekend in person can also pay tribute to this year’s honored firefighters. The public can participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters (May 4 – 7) by lighting their homes, businesses, landmarks, or fire departments with red lights. Other ways to remember these firefighters include Bells Across America, Sound the Sirens, and by signing the virtual Remembrance Banner.
In addition, the American flag will be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings on Sunday, May 7. The public is also encouraged to lower their American flags that day to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Weekend is supported by individual and corporate donors, a grant from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration, a component of the Department of Homeland Security.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 6, 2023
National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET
Streaming begins at 7:00 pm ET
Sunday, May 7, 2023
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
Streaming begins at 9:30 am ET
LOCATION
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park
National Emergency Training Center (NETC)
16835 S. Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
PUBLIC ACCESS AND PARKING (New Location!)
Public parking for Memorial Weekend is at Liberty Mountain Resort (78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA). Shuttles from Liberty Mountain Resort will begin at 3:30 pm on Saturday, May 6 for the Candlelight Service and at 7:30 am on Sunday, May 7 for the Memorial Service.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION (NFFF)
The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. The mission is to honor America's fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park includes the National Fallen Firefighters Monument, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, a brick Walk of Honor, a September 11th memorial sculpture, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Bell of Remembrance. Information about the NFFF and the Memorial Park can be found here.
