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Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the U.S. Fire Administration, and the American Fire Service pause to remember those who gave their lives protecting their communities. Many came from across the United States, from all branches of the fire service, for one important mission: to honor and remember.
 Photo by Jenni McClelland, NFFF |
On Friday afternoon, 92 families were met at local airports and transported to family hotels where they were greeted by 30 Returning Survivors families and Foundation staff. After checking in and receiving their Memorial Weekend welcome packages, Survivors wrote messages to their loved one on the Remembrance Banner. Families could relax and talk to each other while Fire Service Clowns helped to brighten the day, delivering smiles and laughter to everyone. Children and family members decorated boxes to store there Memorial Weekend keepsakes. They also designed luminary bags used in the Candlelight Service to celebrate the life of their loved one.
 Photo by Bill Green, for the NFFF |
After 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 heroes.
On Saturday morning, families arrived at the National Emergency Training Center for Family Day. Family Registration, signing of the Remembrance Banner, and luminary bag activities continued for families who had not already participated in those activities. Fire Service Escorts accompany each family throughout the Weekend, to guide them through the activities and provide any assistance to make their experience a positive one.
Group sessions gave family members a chance to meet and talk with other survivors who are traveling the same road 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.
 Photo by Jen Underwood, for the NFFF |
Honor Guard members stood vigil in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel where family members of new and returning survivors lit candles and placed roses in memory of their loved one. In the Memorial Park, honor guard also watch over the Memorial grounds as returning survivors helped with rubbings of the memorial plaques and Walk of Honor bricks.
The Annual Red Helmet Ride brought firefighter motorcycle enthusiasts to campus to also pay tribute to the families. This year, a much traveled flag, known as the U.S. Flag of Honor was flown in tribute to our fallen firefighters. This flag, flown over the Texas House of Representatives on 9/11, military posts overseas and in tribute of fallen public safety personnel was raised during the ceremony. A wreath was placed at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in honor of all firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Activities continued all afternoon, and Fire Service Clowns once again brought laughter and healing through the children's outdoor activities.
 Photo by Bill Green, for the NFFF |
A Candlelight Service was held on Saturday evening at the beautiful Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton adjacent to campus. Each family arrived at the Basilica, where sidewalks were lined with Honor Guard members and pipers played familiar tunes to honor them. Families lit a candle placed in the luminary bag they created for their firefighter earlier during the Weekend, while members of the fire service performed musical tributes. Words of comfort and hope were offered by another Survivor, Mrs. Jo Ann Tilton whose husband Gary was honored in 2005. All of the bags glowed in celebration of the lives of our newest heroes; Returning Survivors lit the Remembrance Candle and shared the light with everyone in the Basilica as a symbol of hope and healing. A video tribute concluded the Candlelight Service with photos of each firefighter and photos taken during Family Day events. At the conclusion of the service, families were transported back to their hotels for light refreshments and relaxation.
On a beautiful, sunny fall Sunday morning the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service commenced. This national tribute brought 5,000 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.
 Photo by Jenni McClelland, NFFF |
A procession of 132 Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Units surrounded the families on the grounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park. The colors were presented and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the wife of Kenneth A. Woitalewicz and the wife of Bob Heminger, who both died in the line of duty in 2004 in Wood River, Nebraska.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman, Chief Dennis Compton began the Service with a welcome to the families, guests and members of the fire service.
After the invocation, Chief R. David Paulison, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency introduced Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ed Schafer.
Chief Ronald Jon Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, welcomed Domingo Herraiz, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance as the Memorial's keynote speaker.
Following his remarks, the names of our fallen firefighters were read and their families were presented 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, the Presidential Wreath was placed in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial as a lone bagpiper played. Chief Charlie Dickinson 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."
 Photo by Bill Green, for the NFFF |
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.
As in years past, 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.
Related:
» 110 Firefighters Honored & Remembered
» Photos: From the 2008 Memorial Weekend 
» 27th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend to be Held October 4 - 5, 2008
» Video: An Introduction to the Memorial Weekend | Photos from Previous Years: 2007 | 2006
» E-mail Us: Share a 2008 Memorial Weekend Story