A grateful Nation will honor its fallen fire heroes at the 26th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The public ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the National Fallen Firefighers Memorial, the official national monument to all fallen firefighters, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Parking for the public will be at Mount St. Mary's University. Shuttle service will be provided.

Thousands will attend the national tribute remembering America's bravest who died in the line of duty in 2007 and several who died in previous years. The national service will celebrate the lives of these dedicated men and women.

The ceremony, rich in fire service traditions, will begin with an Honor Guard and bagpipe band processional. Families will receive American flags flown over the Nation's Capitol and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The tribute will conclude with the unveiling of the memorial plaques listing the names of the 2007 fallen heroes and those who died in previous years.

Families and coworkers of the fallen firefighters will receive priority seating for the Memorial Service, as will the survivors of firefighters honored in earlier years.

We will broadcast the service live via satellite. Videotapes and DVDs of the service will be available after the Memorial Weekend.