Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year.

This year’s Memorial Weekend will be held October 5th and 6th, in Emmitsburg, Maryland and will honor 119 fallen firefighters. The weekend includes specialized activities for family members and culminates with a Memorial Service on Sunday morning. Thousands attend the programs and services each year.

On Saturday evening, October 5th, the families of the fallen gather for a Candlelight Service while landmarks across the country participate in “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.” This nation-wide landmark lighting event honors firefighters who died in the line of duty. Some of the most iconic buildings and bridges, as well as hundreds of fire departments across the country, participate in honoring our fallen.

Lighting our firehouse in red during the weekend of October 5th and 6th is an additional symbol of support and comfort to the families whose loved ones are being remembered.