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Every October, in the days leading up to Fire Prevention Week, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the U.S. Fire Administration, and the American Fire Service pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Members of the fire service from across the United States, from all branches of the fire service, gather together for one important goal: to honor and remember. Working together with a very special group known as Fire Service Survivors, whose loved ones are enshrined on the National Memorial, they offered hope and strength to our 122 newest survivor families.
On Thursday prior to this special weekend, Honor Guard members and a Fire Service Survivor laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This tradition, which started in 2007, extends the camaraderie, support, and friendship of the fire service to our military brothers and sisters who also risk their lives to serve our country.
Our returning Fire Service Survivors were also welcomed on Thursday with a dinner held in their honor. Many of our returning Fire Service Survivors participate every year, providing true understanding of the grief our newest survivors feel. They too, have traveled the long and difficult path of healing after their firefighter died in the line of duty. Friends were reunited and helped prepare for the new families.
Friday brought new families from across the country to their hotels. After checking in and receiving their Memorial Weekend welcome packages, Survivors wrote messages to their loved one on the Remembrance Banner and did plaque rubbings. Families could relax and introduce themselves while Fire Service Clowns brightened the day, delivering smiles and laughter to children and adults alike. Children and family members designed luminary bags used in the Saturday Candlelight Service to celebrate the life of their loved one.
During the welcome dinner, families learned all about what was in store for them during the Memorial Weekend. They also learned that resources were available to them through the Foundation well beyond the Memorial Weekend.
Meanwhile, fire department members arrived at the National Emergency Training Center. Old friends and new greeted each other and helped prepare for the Weekend's many activities that pay tribute to our fallen firefighters.
On Saturday morning, families arrived at the National Emergency Training Center for Family Day. Families who did not have an opportunity on Friday were able to register, sign the Remembrance Banner, do plaque rubbings, and create luminary bags. They were met by their Fire Service Escorts, who guided them through the activities and provided comfort and assistance during the Weekend.
An Honor Guard stood vigil in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel where both new and returning family members lit candles and placed roses in memory of their loved ones.
In the Memorial Park, an honor guard also watched over the Memorial grounds. The U.S. Flag of Honor was flown in for its second tribute to our fallen firefighters. This flag, which was flown over the Texas House of Representatives on 9/11, military posts overseas, and in tribute of fallen public safety personnel, was raised at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
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 the specific needs of each family member or co-worker to help them through the loss of their firefighter.
The Annual Red Helmet Ride brought over 400 firefighter motorcycle enthusiasts to campus to pay tribute to the families. A wreath was placed at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in honor of all firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Activities continued all afternoon, and Fire Service Clowns once again brought laughter and healing through the children's outdoor activities.
A Candlelight Service was held on Saturday evening at the Memorial grounds under the light of a full moon. Each family lit a candle prior to the service, which was placed inside the luminary bag they created for their firefighter earlier during the Weekend. All of the bags glowed in celebration of the lives of our newest heroes.
Bagpipers and members of the fire service performed musical tributes, and a video montage recounted the Family Day events.
Mrs. Athena Schwantes, whose husband Russel was honored in 2007, explained the tradition of the luminaria. Her daughters, Morgan and Holly, were escorted by honor guard to light a luminary dedicated to all fallen firefighters. The Remembrance Candle, which also honored those whose names are enshrined at the memorial, was lit by parents of fallen firefighters. Mrs. Helen Worthen, whose son Eric was honored in 1999, spoke about of the symbolism of the Remembrance Candle. Its light was shared with everyone as a symbol of hope and healing.
On Sunday morning, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service commenced. This national tribute brought 6,500 people from all over the country, from all walks of life and from all branches of the fire service to embrace, comfort, and honor the families whose loved ones were lost in the line of duty.
Families arrived and were escorted through a "Sea of Blue" leading to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Uniformed fire service personnel lined the Walk of Honor® in honor and support of our new families.
A procession of Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Units surrounded the families on the grounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman, Chief Dennis Compton began the Service with a welcome to the families, guests and members of the fire service.
The colors were presented and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Charles Woodbridge, the husband of Rose Anne Woodbridge, who died in the line of duty in 2006 in Ohio.
After the invocation, Chief Kelvin Cochran, U.S. Fire Administrator introduced W. Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency who delivered a message from President Obama.
The Honorable Steny Hoyer, U.S. House of Representatives served as the Memorial's keynote speaker. Following his remarks, the Presidential Wreath was placed in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial as a lone bagpiper played.
The names of our fallen firefighters were read as representatives from major fire service organizations presented each family with a flag flown over both the United States Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a red rose, and a badge honoring their loved one.
After all of the families where honored and tributes were read, R. David Paulison, former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and former U.S. Fire Administrator, recounted the history of the Tolling of the Bells. The Honor Guard rang out 5-5-5 in symbolic tribute that our fallen heroes had "returned to quarters."
In tribute, and as a symbol of hope, a flock of doves were released. Hope Janke, Counsel to the Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance shared, "From the past, to the present and into eternity, white doves have been and forever shall be a beautiful symbol of hope, love, peace and the soul. At this gathering to cherish the precious memories shared here with our loved ones, we will release a flock of snow white doves in a symbolic tribute to their cherished memories, for we know that they will forever live on within our hearts."
The service concluded with the benediction and the honor guard and pipes and drums recessional.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the fire service, and returning survivors embraced the newest members of our family. Comfort and healing was provided to families of fallen brothers and sisters. Their sacrifice and all of those who have traveled the same journey of losing a beloved firefighter will always be honored, and they will never be forgotten.