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National Memorial to Honor Fallen Fire Heroes

National Memorial to Honor Fallen Fire Heroes

Landmarks across America will Light the Night in Red in salute to Fallen Firefighters
40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
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40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial WeekendAmerica’s fallen fire heroes, who died in the line of duty, will be honored at the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 2-3, 2021. The names of 215 firefighters will become a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices.

COVID-related line-of-duty deaths are now a factor in the tribute and will continue to be in the future.

On the evening of Saturday, October 2, the families of America’s fallen firefighters will gather for an emotional Candlelight Service. During the ceremony, a plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The following morning, Fire Hero Families will participate in the Memorial Service where a grateful nation will honor the sacrifices of their loved ones at the National Memorial.

Eighty-seven firefighters died in the line of duty in 2020. Eighty-two firefighters died in 2019. Forty-six firefighters who died in the line of duty in previous years will also be honored. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will present each family with an American flag flown over the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will provide a live satellite feed and online streaming of Memorial Weekend services, along with video of events for downloading courtesy of VISTA Worldlink at live.firehero.org.

Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters 2021

We encourage you to watch the two services on our websites or social media. For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored, read the 2021 Roll of Honor and the 2020 Roll of Honor.

In addition, communities across the U.S. will light up landmarks in red, including buildings, bridges, fire stations, and homes as part of the Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters program.

On Sunday, the National Memorial Service begins with bells ringing across the land through our Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters program. For more information on how you can take part in these programs, visit memorialweek.wpengine.com.

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters 2021

COVID-19 Notice

The annual Memorial Weekend was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The video, “America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters” was offered in its place. This year, the in-person event will be held, but will be closed to the public. Only Fire Hero Families will attend, along with Memorial Weekend staff and volunteers, due to ongoing COVID-related concerns. All local, state, and federal health guidelines will be strictly observed.