Firefighters Memorial Day Service is held at the National Firefighters Memorial

Fire and Emergency Services are considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Putting their lives on the line while responding to million’s of emergency calls annually without hesitation and with little regard for their personal safety. Over a million men and women comprise the American fire and emergency services and the unsettling truth is that approximately 100 or more personnel die annually in the line of duty. The brave men and women who have died in the line of duty are honored for their bravery and sacrifices on National Firefighters Memorial Day.

Every year in October, America honors fallen fire heroes on Firefighters Memorial Day and thousands attend a National Memorial Service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the site was conceived as a tribute to American fire service members and later congress officially designated the site as the National Memorial for career and volunteer fallen firefighters. Former President George W. Bush mandated public law 107-51, requiring the American flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal and state buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters and in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

The monument was constructed in 1981 on the campus of the National Fire Academy and features a 7-foot sculpted Maltese cross, the universal symbol of fire service and also the badge of firefighters. At the base of the moment there is an external flame symbolizing the spirit of all firefighters of past, present, and future. A Wall of Honor is around the monument with names dating back to 1981 to commemorate the fallen and each year a new engraved plaque that encircles the monument plaza is also added with the names of the fallen from the previous year. A brick “Walk of Honor,” from the monument site takes you on a beautiful tour of the National Fire Academy and ending at the Historic National Fall Firefighters Memorial Chapel. The ceremony includes the placing of a Presidential Wreath at the monument. The memorial service is also a time to pay respect to the fire and emergency services men and women for their dedication and sacrifices to keep our families and communities safe. Also a dedication of a plaque honoring those who died in the line of duty during the previous year is presented.

Whenever a firefighter dies in the line of duty, local fire officials notify the United States Fire Administration and a notice is immediately posted on the Memorial grounds. The American flag is also lowered to half-staff at the site in honor of the fallen firefighter. The memorial is open year round to the public. We encourage you to spread the word to your local communities to lower the American flag at your homes and businesses. Take a moment to consider the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have fallen in the line and duty from natural and man-made emergencies or disasters. Also recognize the active fire and emergency service members who continue to protect and serve our families and communities.

(See US Flag Supply's Fallen Service Honor Flags - Thin Red Line American Flag)