The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has changed the date for the 2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. It is now set for October 14 - 16 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The original date conflicted with Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday of atonement and one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Please note this date change. It is different from what has been previously posted and announced by the NFFF.

The decision to reschedule the Weekend was made after significant consideration as to what would be in the best interest of the families of our nation's fallen heroes, the fire service community as a whole and the American public. "The Foundation aims to be considerate of all major religious observations. We want to be certain that the immediate family members of those who died in the line of duty during the past year will have the opportunity to attend the Memorial Weekend and not have any scheduling challenges because of their religious observations," said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF.

Traditionally, the Memorial Weekend has been scheduled for the weekend prior to the start of National Fire Prevention Week. Future dates of the annual memorial service will be examined to ensure similar challenges do not occur.

The 2011 weekend is especially poignant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and follows the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11. Weekend events will again be held in Emmitsburg on the Campus of the National Emergency Training Center.