In accordance with Public Law 107-51, the American flag should be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, October 9, from sunrise to sunset. The annual lowering is done to coincide with National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, scheduled this year for the weekend of October 7-9.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday. The annual observance honors the sacrifices of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The nationwide recognition occurs annually during Fire Prevention Week.

Firefighters across the country who died in the line of duty are being honored all weekend during the 41st Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend by The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

This year, 148 fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2021 and several who died in previous years will be honored during the national tribute. Connecticut Firefighters Firefighter Colin J. McFadden, of Burlington Volunteer Fire Department; and Ricardo Torres, Jr, New Haven FD are among those being memorialized this year.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Chief Bill Halstead, who died July 8, and Muddy Brook Fire Department Firefighter George W. Brown, who died July 21, are expected to be included in next year's annual national service. Both men's deaths were considered line of duty deaths. Both men, and McFadden, were among those honored in September during the Connecticut State Firefighters 20th Annual Memorial Service.

This weekend, a candlelight service is scheduled for 6:30 pm Saturday in Emmitsburg, and then the national memorial service will be conducted Sunday morning at 10.

In a release issued Friday morning, Governor Ned Lamont called on Connecticut residents to lower US and state flags in recognition of the service.

Firefighters, the governor noted, “are heroes, who dedicate their careers to the protection of our communities and the safety of those who live in them. They put themselves in danger on a moment’s notice, at times putting their own lives in danger to shield others. We owe it to them to honor their fearlessness. I am thankful to all of the firefighters in Connecticut, and I encourage everyone to reflect upon those firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.”

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz also commented, saying: “Today, we honor those brave firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice after dedicating their lives to serving their communities. We are incredibly grateful for their service, and I hope we can all take a moment to honor the courageous souls who were taken too soon. We send love and strength to their families, friends, and fellow firefighters.”

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags — including municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered on Sunday.

=====

Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.