Honoring Fallen Firefighters

On Sunday October 4, 2009, the American flag is to be lowered in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Sunday October 4th, 2009

 

 

The law requires the American flag be lowered in tribute on only six days each year, very appropriately, one of these days is in tribute to firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice in the service to their communities.

 

When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died in the Line of Duty.

 

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is held each year on the first Sunday in October, which also begins National Fire Prevention Week. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 4-10 in 1925. The week was chosen in honor and remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire (Oct. 9, 1871). This tragic fire killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures.

 

Fire department officials say it is fitting that on a day devoted to remembering those firefighters who paid the ultimate price in the performance of their duties that they launch an annual, focused effort to educate the public on fire safety issues. They say firefighters make a commitment day in and day out to protect others from fire and other life threatening hazards, how better to honor these men and women than in a National Campaign aimed at preventing others from experiencing fire related tragedies.