Thousands of people are gathering in Emmitsburg, Md., for the 34th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service this weekend to honor 87 firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Due to the inclement weather in the Mid-Atlantic region, the service changed locations. Sunday’s Memorial Service will be at Mount St. Mary’s University at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. The Candlelight Vigil on Saturday evening will be at the Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughters of Charity. Due to space limitations, it is not open to the public.
Both ceremonies are traditionally held outside on the grounds of the National Fire Academy.
More than 5,000 people, including the president, administration officials, members of the fire service, and families, friends and co-workers of the fallen firefighters will attend the event.
Of those honored, 84 were firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014; three other firefighters died in previous years. Survivors of each of the fallen firefighters will be presented with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.