| October 4 - 6, 2013, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be conducting it 's annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial to honor firefighters who died in the Line of Duty during 2012 and previous years. Every October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland with the public service being held on October 6 at Mt. Saint Mary's College. The event is being held at this location due to the federal government shut-down which closed the National Fire Academy.
The weekend features special programs for survivors and co-workers, along with public ceremonies. This special Weekend will honor the service and sacrifice of your loved one and the other firefighters being honored this year. New survivors will have the opportunity to meet fire service survivors from across the country, share experiences, make lasting friendships, and begin to look ahead.
Through private donations, the Foundation provides lodging and meals for immediate next-of-kin of firefighters being honored and assists with travel expenses. This allows family members to participate in the public tributes and in the 'Family Day' sessions conducted by trained grief counselors. The Memorial Weekend is a time for sharing and healing for the families of our fallen firefighters. Representatives from Honor Guard and Pipe Band Units participate as part of this solemn tribute and commemoration of your loved ones. Many families have told us how much they appreciate the honor bestowed upon their loved ones at the National Tribute.
Members of the fire service also make the Memorial Weekend a special time for the families of our fallen heroes. It shows gratitude and the remembrance of our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives in the Line-Of-Duty.
A total of 81 fire service personnel lost their lives during 2012. For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, click on this link; http://www.firehero.org/index2.html |
