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President Trump signs National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend proclamation

The proclamation honors firefighters who died in the line of duty and calls for U.S. flags to fly at half-staff on May 3

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President Donald Trump signs a presidential proclamation on National Firefighters Month in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Washington.

Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued a proclamation yesterday recognizing May 2-3 as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, and ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings on May 3 to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

The proclamation gives special recognition to firefighters who lost their lives over the past year and honors their sacrifice, courage and service to their communities. It also recognizes firefighters for answering emergency calls nationwide and risking their lives to protect people, homes and communities during fires, disasters and other emergencies.

The proclamation reads, in part: “This weekend, we hold the families, friends, and loved ones of our fallen fire heroes, many of whom are gathered on the beautiful campus of the National Fire Academy at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to grieve together, share cherished memories, and find strength in the enduring legacies of those they have lost. Their grief is truly immeasurable, and we reaffirm our solemn mission to ensure that the names and memories of their loved ones remain forever enshrined in the hearts of our citizens.”

Trump added that honoring fallen firefighters must include providing crews with the training, equipment and resources they need to return home safely.

“My Administration remains steadfast in our commitment to unequivocally supporting those who protect us every day. Under my leadership, we will never waver in that incredible responsibility.”

The annual event features solemn tributes and heartfelt moments of remembrance for fallen firefighters
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.