Memorial Weekend Update

 ~ IMPORTANT ~

2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Update

Registration is closing very soon and you MUST be registered by the deadline to participate. No exceptions. Go to the NFFF webpage as they handle all registration. www.firehero.org

Many of you have seen information about contacting your government representatives to help get campus opened for Memorial Weekend. Any help is appreciated with this endeavor  

Here is the last communication from the NFFF on weekend shutdown info:

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is held on the grounds of the United States Fire Administration (USFA), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Due to the current partial shutdown of DHS, the USFA campus is not presently available to host the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

At this time, it remains uncertain whether campus housing and facilities will be accessible for Memorial Weekend. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with key USFA personnel. Fortunately, our partners at Mount St. Mary’s University have assured us that the Knott Athletic, Recreation, and Convocation Complex is available to host both the Candlelight Service and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Ensuring appropriate lodging for our Fire Hero Families remains our top priority. Members of the fire service, work teams, contractors/vendors, honor guards, and pipe and drum corps are encouraged to make alternate lodging arrangements, with careful attention to cancellation policies should on-campus accommodations become available.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to assess the situation and await further guidance from federal officials, including the possibility of a special accommodation that would allow us to host the ceremony at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial site.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

~~

Victor Stagnaro

Chief Executive Officer

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation & the First Responder Center for Excellence

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See you all soon - Ivan & Odie