The sound of a bell holds special meaning to firefighters. Historically, a bell summoned members to a department, indicated a call for help, announced the beginning of a shift, and signaled a return to quarters after an incident. And a department sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice. This time-honored tradition continues today during the funerals or memorial services for firefighters.

On Sunday, October 16, the Chapel Bells at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, chimed for the first time in 30 years to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and begin the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. In communities across the nation, and in military bases around the world, fire departments and places of worship joined in this moment of remembrance for the 89 fallen heroes and their families who gathered at the memorial that morning. In a fitting tribute called Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, bells rang from coast to coast as a grateful nation paused to honor their sacrifices.

The lives of the fallen and the commitment to service that all firefighters embrace were remembered and celebrated during the 30th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 15 - 16, at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) provided travel, lodging, and meals during the weekend for the immediate survivors of the fallen, allowing them to fully participate in the weekend. Of those honored during the two-day event, 72 were firefighters who died in 2010 while serving their communities, and 17 were those who died during previous years. Their names joined more than 3,000 others enshrined on the Memorial in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty.

The Preparation Begins Prior to the arrival of the survivors and guests, the first event of the Memorial Weekend took place at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday. There, Honor Guard members and Fire Service Survivors laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a tradition that began in 2007 to extend the camaraderie, support and friendship of the fire service to our military members who also risk their lives to serve our country.

That evening, members of the Fire Service Survivors Network, whose loved ones were previously enshrined on the National Memorial, were welcomed to the Weekend with a special reception. The evening provided an opportunity to reconnect with Network members and prepare for their invaluable role as companion and confidant to the families of those being honored during the days ahead.

"The Survivors Network matches survivors with similar experiences and circumstances, to help provide comfort and help with the healing of their tragic loss," said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. "Because they have also traveled the long and difficult path, they have a unique understanding of what the new families are feeling."

As the families arrived on Friday, they were encouraged to write messages on the Remembrance Banner, make rubbings of the plaque bearing their loved one's name, and become acquainted with other survivors and Network members. During the Welcome Dinner, the new families were reminded that the mission of the Foundation is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide assistance to their survivors as they rebuild their lives. They learned about the events of Memorial Weekend and the many resources available to them through the NFFF, including grief counseling and scholarship opportunities.

On Saturday, the families were met by their Fire Service Survivor Escorts who guided them through the activities and offered comfort and assistance throughout the weekend. Group sessions gave family members a chance to meet and talk with other survivors who are traveling the same road they are as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or co-worker of a fallen firefighter. Each session was tailored to help them through their loss. One young woman, whose father died in 2006 and was honored during this weekend, explained that being able to talk with other children around her age who lost their parent helped her find comfort she hadn't found before. She said that there were tears and laughter as well as reassurance. She intends to return as a volunteer to help other young adults cope with their losses.

Survivors were able to make personalized luminaries for the Saturday night Candlelight Vigil and Remembrance Boxes to keep mementoes from the weekend. The Foundation also offered survivors an opportunity to record a story of their firefighter that will be part of the NFFF archives.

Fire Service Clowns and many volunteers were on hand to help lighten the mood and allow for moments of fun and laughter during a sometimes challenging and emotional day. More than 400 firefighter motorcycle enthusiasts arrived at the campus in the afternoon for the Annual Red Helmet Ride. They joined the families to lay a wreath at the Memorial to honor all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

The day culminated in a Candlelight Service on the grounds of the Memorial. Each family lit a candle and gently placed it in the luminary that they had created earlier in the day. The Remembrance Candle, which honors all those whose names are enshrined at the Memorial, was lit by children of fallen firefighters who had been honored in previous years. The evening was filled with music to allow the families to reflect on their firefighter.

"This service is planned specifically for you -- this year's survivors -- whose loved ones we honor and remember this weekend," said Chief Dennis Compton, chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. "Just as your loved ones shared a unique bond with others from the fire service, we now share a truly special bond as survivor families."

Sunday's Memorial Service drew approximately 5,000 people, including government officials, family and friends, members of the NFFF, the U.S. Fire Administration and the American Fire Service. The survivors passed through the "Sea of Blue" comprised of members of the fire service who gathered to honor them and the sacrifice of their loved ones. The refrain of pipes and drums swelled through the air as the families and guests were seated at the Memorial site.

As the Service began, video of bells ringing from coast to coast was shown on a large screen. Chief Compton explained the significance of the bells. "Bells are ringing all across the country today as a tribute to your loved one. In places of worship today, for the first time, the citizens of this country are pausing to honor the sacrifice your firefighter has made."

Compton noted that throughout the memorial service, readings about the firefighters being honored and their commitment to carrying out the ideals of the fire service would be shared. He explained that the fire service, being rich in its heritage and strong in its beliefs, has adopted four guiding principles - Duty, Honor, Courage and Tradition - that are shared in some version by nearly all fire departments.

"These four words respectfully speak to what a firefighter stands for and the bond that is ever present within the fire service community," said Compton. "You will also hear a reference to family in the readings today, as we stress the commitment each of these individuals, who we honor, have made to their community and their loved ones." Following the Presentation of Colors, the Invocation and Honor Guard Recessional, Chief Glenn Gaines, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration offered the Administrator's address. In extending his sympathies to the loved ones of the fallen, he assured those present that the firefighters would always be remembered, and their commitment to serving their communities should be celebrated.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, read a message from President Barack Obama, noting that during that day, the United States flag would be flown at half-staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The President also called on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities, and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

As the names of those who died were read, family members were escorted forward and presented with an American flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a rose, and a badge. Flags for the military families had also been flown over the DOD Fallen Firefighters Memorial. After all were honored, Dr. Denis Onieal, superintendent of the National Fire Academy recounted the history of the Tolling of the Bells. The Honor Guard rang out 5-5-5 in symbolic tribute that the fallen heroes had "returned to quarters."

A video was then shared from the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters who created their own Bells Across America tribute. Stationed at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, they used a fire extinguisher as their bell and a wrench as a clapper to honor those firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As a symbol of hope and peace, a flock of white doves was released, signifying that the memories of those who had been lost will be forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved them. Hope Janke, Counsel to the Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance offered these words, "Legend holds that if you whisper to a dove, she will carry your message upon white wings up to the heavens--allowing you to send your loved one the feelings invoked by your sweetest memories, your thoughts in celebration of their life, your prayers, your love and your thankfulness that they graced the earth and your life with their unique and special presence."

The doves soared above through the clear blue skies while the Honor Guard and pipes and drums filed out in a poignant culmination of the Memorial Weekend's events, in hope that these families can begin a new season of healing.