FireNews.com
Fire News, August 2022, Page 25
NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MOVES TO MAY STARTING IN 2023 MEMORIAL WEEKEND 2022 WILL BE LAST ONE HELD IN OCTOBER As we prepare for Memorial Weekend 2022 in October we’re looking ahead to next year and the start of a new National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) tradition. Beginning in 2023 Memorial Weekend moves to May. A combination of weather uncertainties and the frequent threat of an October federal government shutdown is behind the move of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend from its traditional October date. NFFF Board chairman Troy Markel said, “As with everything NFFF does, the priority is making sure we do right by the families of the firefighters we’re honoring.” This move does not impact this year’s ceremony. The 2022 Memorial Weekend is still scheduled for October 8 and 9. The change means 2023 Memorial Weekend will be May 6 and 7. While the time of year for the Candlelight and
Memorial Services changes, our other four decades long traditions will continue. Chairman Markel said, “Removing some of the uncertainties we've faced with the October date will help avoid distractions as we focus on honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.” As always, the public can help support these heroes, their families, and the Memorial Weekend events. Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. More at https://www.firehero.org.
