03 Oct National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Join us in honoring the lives of 84 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014 and three firefighters who died in previous years during the 34th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 4.
The service begins at 9:00 a.m. (CT) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is open to the public. During the service, a bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These firefighters also will be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m. (CT).
Just prior to Memorial Weekend, leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will help launch the annual tribute. They will present 87 American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). The flags will be displayed in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel until the service on Sunday when they will be presented to the survivors.
“Firefighters possess an extraordinary blend of courage and compassion which allows them to willingly face tremendous risks to help those in need,” said Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of the NFFF. “Each fall, we gather to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died in the line of duty and to let their families, friends and co-workers know they will never be forgotten.”
More than 5,000 people, including families, friends, members of Congress, Administration officials and firefighters are expected to attend on Sunday. Firefighter Honor Guards and Pipe & Drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national remembrance.
Watch live coverage of the services on our website – www.ecfpd.org
Candlelight Service – Saturday, October 3, starting at 5:00pm
Memorial Service – Sunday, October 4, starting at 8:30am.