The 33rd Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held this coming weekend, October 11-12th in Emmitsburg, Md.
This year’s services will honor 98 firefighters who died In The Line Of Duty during 2013 and 9 who died in previous years.
“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.”
More about Memorial Weekend by clicking HERE
The Memorial is located on the ground of the National Emergency Training Center (National Fire Academy) in Emmitsburg, Md.
If you’ve never attended Memorial Weekend, YOU SHOULD! Many of you have probably seen / visited the Memorial while attending the National Fire Academy but, it’s not the same.
The grounds are full of survivors (returning and new), surviving families, friends and co-workers of the fallen. There is also about 1,000 volunteers on hand acting as escorts for the families (to the various activities / events throughout the weekend), Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums, and filling multiple roles in the production of Memorial Weekend. With everyone gathered for the same purpose, the feeling is more than spiritual. It’s something you should really experience for yourself. The 107 members being Honored this year can be found in the link below…
2014 Memorial Weekend Roll of Honor
“On Thursday, Returning Survivors begin to arrive and prepare to greet and support new families. Members of the fire service pay special tribute by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. In the evening, Returning survivors gather for special dinner just for them.” More HERE.
“During Memorial Weekend, Friday is a travel Day for many of our new families and members of the fire service from across the United States. For the families, events include family registration, family activities, and welcome dinner and orientation. Members of the fire service arrive in Emmitsburg and prepare for the tribute to our nation’s fallen firefighters.” More HERE.
On Saturday, there are multiple seminars, counseling sessions etc for the surviving families. There is a Red Helmet motorcycle ride and wreath laying during the day and a Candle Light Service in the evening. More HERE.
The Memorial Service is held on Sunday morning. Each name is read from the Roll of Honor and the family (Survivors) presented a flag. More HERE.
Typically, the Service is held on the lawn in front of the Memorial but should weather dictate, there are alternate locations and plans in place to relocate to a more comfortable setting.
If you are not able to attend, there are still MANY ways in which you can still Honor the Fallen.
- Issue a Proclamation
- Lower your flag (click HERE)
- Sound the sirens (click HERE)
- Sign the Remembrance Banner (click HERE)
- Feature Heroes on your web site (click HERE)
- Participate in Bells Across America (click HERE)
- Watch the Service LIVE (click HERE)
- Watch a Hero Tribute (click HERE)
Rhett (aka The Fire Critic) and I will be part of the Memorial Staff once again this year.
Rhett will continue his role as Team Leader for Social Media while I assist Dave Statter and the Production Team.
Our duties keep us very busy and you’ll see us all over campus as well as at the host hotels in Gettsburg. If you spot us, and have the chance; PLEASE take a minute to say hello.
If we don’t have time to talk right then, we’ll tell you where you can find us later that evening / night. We’d LOVE to not only meet you (again or for the first time) but also to hear about your weekend / memorial experience.
At least one night, you’ll find us at the Ott House in downtown Emmitsburg. Other nights, you’ll most likely find us by the fire of our camp site at the Artillery Ridge Campground in Gettysburg. We’ll be arriving on Wednesday and staying in site #109 which is close to the entrance… feel free to stop by for a visit.
Below are a few links to posts, with pictures and video; from our previous visits to Memorial Weekend.
Read “How can we fail?” … click HERE
Read “It’s NOT about us, but Them..” HERE
Read “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome… the 2013 Memorial Weekend”
Stay SAFE and in House!
Captain Wines