EMMITSBURG, Md. — Summer-like temperatures helped make an October weekend surprisingly comfortable for a annual fire service event that was anything but comfortable a week earlier.
The federal government shutdown caused the detailed planning of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Memorial Weekend to shift into overdrive as organizers and supporters worked tirelessly to change locations and provide the valuable logistical support to families, staff and many volunteers. The shutdown closed the National Emergency Training Center (NETC), where the NFFF memorial and facilities for the weekend are located.
With an agreement between the NFFF and its Emmitsburg neighbors, the Candlelight Service was held Saturday evening at The Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Daughters of Charity. The Daughters of Charity also supplied valuable office space for the Memorial Weekend Command Post as well. While space limited the event to the families, the event was broadcast live to viewers across the nation.
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The Sunday memorial event took place in the Knott Arena of Mount St. Mary’s University and was open to the public. Honor guards and pipe and drum bands had spent Saturday rehearsing their movements through the new setting while many volunteers, including recruits from nearby fire departments, moved all the necessary equipment into place.
Diligent work between the NFFF, FEMA, the United States Fire Administration and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D- Md.) provided the families of fallen firefighters the immensely valuable opportunity of seeing the actual memorial site even though the NETC was closed. Immediately after the Candlelight Service, buses took the families down the road to the memorial site for a two-hour visit. No press was allowed as the event focused on the families and their opportunity to see where the plaque that bears the names of the fallen firefighters will be mounted.
During the visit an honor guard placed the Presidential Wreath and stood at attention as the families moved around the site, viewing plaques from previous years and seeing the names inscribed on the many bricks that make up the site’s Walk of Honor.
81 firefighters were honored in this year’s ceremony. The Sunday service recognized 73 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2012 and eight others from previous years. During the ceremony Congressman Hoyer thanked the many figures who played an important part in opening the actual site for a brief time and told the families that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
Photos: 2013 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Photos: Wreath Laying Ceremony, Arlington National Cemetery
Photos: Red Helmet Ride
Photos: Families Visit Memorial Site
Saturday October 5, 2013 Events
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Sunday October 6,2013 Events
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