National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
(6 Oct 2002)

Since 1981, there has been a Fallen Firefighters Memorial service in Emmitsburg, MD. The event honors the fallen firefighters from the previous year. This years service on 6 Oct 02 will remember the 438 men and women from 34 states who died in the line of duty in 2001. This includes the 344 firefighters who died in the World Trade Center tragedy. Four firefighters who died in previous years will also be honored. This year the event has moved from Emmitsburg to the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.

Obviously, a lot of Firefighters and citizens can't attend the service this year. So, what can you do locally? On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Remind your local media and community that this special honor will occur on Sunday, October 6, 2002. When we lower our flags this year, we will be recognizing the 442 brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters.

You may also want to ask your state and local officials to issue a proclamation lowering the flags on all buildings in remembrance of the role firefighters play in each community. Here is a sample proclamation from the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation:

Sample Proclamation

Whereas, the Congress and President of the United States have designated the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to honor firefighters and emergency personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to half-staff; and

Whereas, an average of 100 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and

Whereas, the events of September 11, 2001, brought national attention to the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices faced by fire and emergency services personnel on a daily basis; and

Whereas, firefighters and emergency personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our local community;

Therefore, I (title) of (municipality), now call upon all citizens of (municipality) and upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the day of October 6, 2002, in recognition of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire and emergency services personnel by lowering American flags on all buildings to half-staff. Appropriate services and ceremonies in which all of our citizens may join in are encouraged to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to duties, have rendered invaluable service to their community and its citizens.

I further call upon the citizens of (municipality) to remember all fire and emergency personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.

In witness thereof, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Seal of the (municipality) to be affixed.

For more information about this topic, visit the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation.