Memorial Weekend

For New Families

This special weekend will honor the service and sacrifice of your loved one and the other firefighters being honored this year.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is different than other memorial services you have attended. You will have opportunities to meet other families of fallen firefighters from across the country so that you can share experiences, make lasting friendships, and begin to look ahead.

Before attending I was apprehensive. After I got there everyone was just so kind and helpful. I felt like I was in a great big hug the whole time.

Schedule

2022 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
Travel Day & Family Welcome
If you arrive by plane, train, or bus, will be greeted by local firefighters who will take you to your hotel. When you arrive, you will be greeted by returning Fire Hero Family members at registration. You can relax, take part in family activities, and connect with other Fire Hero Families from across the country. Activities include:
  • Creating a luminary bag in memory of your firefighter
  • Tell us about your firefighter in a Hero Tribute video
  • Make a rubbing of your loved one's name on the plaque that will be added to the Memorial
  • Shop for keepsakes of this special weekend
In the evening, we will give you a brief overview of what to expect at the welcome dinner.
2022 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
Family Day & Candlelight Service
Family registration will continue to welcome Fire Hero Families at the Family Hotel. Please join us for breakfast and can take part in activities at the family hotel until lunch is served. After lunch, visit with other Fire Hero Families and watch the Red Helmet Ride in honor of your loved one. In the afternoon, we will transport you to the National Emergency Training Center, home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. When you arrive you will be greeted by your Family Escort who will guide you through your Memorial Weekend experience. You can visit the grounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park. After the Family Dinner, you can light a candle in the luminary bag you created for your firefighter. It will glow in remembrance during the National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service that evening.
2022 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
Memorial Service
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transported to the National Emergency Training Center Campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland. When you arrive on campus, the fire service will stand at attention in your honor as you pass through the Sea of Blue. A grateful nation will honor and remember your loved one, during the official national tribute to America's fallen firefighters. During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, you will be surrounded by the care and respect of honor guard and pipes and drum members from across the country. Your Family Escort will support you as you receive an American flag, badge, and a rose in honor of your firefighter. Following the Memorial Service, please join us for the family lunch on campus.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Immediate Family Members

If you arrive by plane, train, or bus, local firefighters will meet you and take you to your hotel. This service is available for immediate family members only.

The Foundation offers travel and lodging assistance to the immediate next of kin, you will received detailed information in your invitation and through registration.

Other Family Members and Friends

Additional family members and friends are invited to attend at their own expense.

Click here to find local lodging near the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend activities.

The Foundation will provide meals at designated locations for family members of those being honored. These include a Welcome Dinner on Friday, all Saturday meals, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Truly an amazing experience! Everyone was so wonderful and accommodating. We felt like each person we interacted with genuinely cared about our family. Thank you for continuing your support.