Access to National Fallen Firefighter Monument Still in Question

EMMITSBURG, MD -- Heartbreaking, incredibly wrong, absolutely ridiculous.

Spouses of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice shared those sentiments upon hearing that families attending this year's National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend may not be able to visit the monument where their loved ones' names are on a plaque.

As the partial government shutdown lingers, the site for 45th annual memorial service has not been set. Nonetheless, at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 3, a ceremony will begin.It could be on the campus of the National Fire Academy or at Mount St. Mary's University nearby. 

Families of the fallen as well as fire and rescue personnel have been reaching out to Congress to allow access to the memorial during the weekend events.

No official word has been received whether that will happen.

In 15 days, families and colleagues of those who died in the line of duty from across the nation will be arriving in Frederick County for a weekend of remembrance events cuminating in the 45th annual National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.

As of this week, more than 900 family members of the fallen firefighters have registered to attend the events that will recognize the sacrifices of 97 who died in 2025 and 107 who perished in previous years. Colleagues also will make the trip.

For some, it may be the only time they will be able to visit the monument dedicated to their loved ones as they come from across the country for the events.

"It's heartbreakig to me that they may not be able to see the memorial." said Roni Gilbertson, whose husband's name was added during last year's ceremony.

Boise Firefighter Kent Gilbertson ended just three-and-a-half years after his retirement.

"He was diagnosed with colon cancer they linked to his 30 years as a firefighter. He got the news on 2-2-22 and died in my arms on Nov. 8."

Roni said visiting with others sharing the same grief made a difference. 

"It took me two days to get there from Idaho. But, it was such an honor to see his name...It's something I needed. It helped," she said, adding that she's hoping other survivors will have the same experience.

Merrimack, NH, Lt. Chris Wyman didn't hold back when asked about the memorial being inaccessible.

"It's absolutely ridiculous that it wouldn't be open. No other national memorial I'm aware of has so many security levels to jump through. This is unacceptable."

Wyman's wife, Nashua, NH, Lt. Jessica Wyman, was recognized during last year's memorial after dying of occupational cancer. 

"I should be able to visit the memorial where she's honored whenever I want to. I feel bad for the new families who may not be able to see it..."