Source: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
EMMITSBURG, MD -- The first major section of the brick "Walk of Honor" has been installed in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park here, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation announced today.
This initial section leading from the official National Monument to the Memorial Park includes 1,011 commemorative bricks, each bearing a personal inscription.
The 60-foot section of the brick walkway marks the first construction in the Memorial Park now being developed on the grounds of the National Fire Academy.
The "Walk of Honor" is a key feature of the Memorial Park -- the first permanent memorial park in the nation dedicated to all fire service heroes who have given their lives in the line of duty.
When the park is completed, the "Walk of Honor" will connect the firefighters Monument, a Visitors Information Center, the historic Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, and various plazas. Groundbreaking for the Visitor Center is planned for later this year.
Since plans for the walkway were first announced in 1997, thousands of firefighters, departments, individuals, families of fallen firefighters, companies and National Fire Academy classes have supported park development through brick purchases.
The Foundation plans to hold a dedication ceremony later this Spring.
The Foundation website, www.firehero.org, lists each of the bricks placed on the walkway. The site also provides images during construction of the "Walk of Honor" and a section of the new walkway, as well as information on the planned Park development and how to donate a brick.
