NFFF Annual National Memorial Weekend Oct. 5-8

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration announce events for the 25th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 5-8, 2006. Plaques with the names of the 100 men and women killed in the line of duty in 2005 and 7 firefighters who died in previous years will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Monument, located on the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Schedule of Events:

October 5 -- National Remembrance Tribute and Reception, 6 p.m. Washington, D.C.
October 7 -- Red Helmets Ride Ceremony, 11:30 a.m. Hundreds of motorcycle riders will leave from Frederick, MD, and ride to the site of the National Fallen Firefighters Monument. National Candlelight Service, 6:30 p.m. Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD

October 8 -- National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, 10 a.m. National Fallen Firefighters Monument, Emmitsburg, MD

"A special tribute for the families of our firefighter heroes killed in the line of duty will mark the 25th Annual Memorial Weekend. Survivors from across the country will meet, establish emotional connections, and celebrate the lives of their beloved firefighters," said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. "The Foundation offers its programs and services to ensure that families and colleagues of fallen firefighters receive the support they need to cope with the loss of their loved ones for as long as it is needed."

The National Candlelight Service and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be broadcast live via satellite. Broadcast coordinates and other information on the Memorial Weekend and NFFF are available at: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation


About the Memorial Weekend
Since 1982, a grateful Nation has honored its fallen fire heroes during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's Memorial Weekend events will take place October 6-8, 2006.

Families of fallen firefighters being honored this year and returning survivors will register at their hotels and attend a welcome reception on Friday evening.

Survivors of the fallen firefighters will participate in Family Day activities on Saturday on the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg. An evening Candlelight Service at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will conclude the day.

On Sunday, honor guard units and bagpipers will open the Memorial Service with a procession honoring America's bravest and their families. The national tribute will conclude with the unveiling of plaques listing the names of the 2005 fallen heroes and others being honored who died in previous years.

Show your respect by sponsoring special events in your community. Ask your local cable company to make the nationally-broadcast services available so all may share in honoring America's bravest.