By Laura French
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation broadcast America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters on Sunday honoring 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty and 21 firefighters who died in previous years.
The virtual tribute was streamed live at 10 a.m. EDT in observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. In-person events for this year’s Memorial Weekend were postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The video featured an introduction by NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki followed by footage of Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The tribute also included statements and interviews of Fire Hero Family members and fire officials, including U.S. Fire Administrator Keith Bryant, and current and former Howard County Fire & Rescue fire officials, who recounted the 2018 line-of-duty of Lt. Nathan Flynn.
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“To the loved ones of our nation’s fallen firefighters, this program is for you,” NFFF Chairman of the Board Troy Markel said during the tribute. “Your strength, your grace in the face of immense grief inspires us every day.”
Photos of the 103 fallen firefighters were displayed during the name-reading portion of the ceremony. The tribute concluded with a musical performance of “The Fallen and The Brave” by Dave Carroll.
Watch the full tribute to fallen firefighters below: