Readers are reminded that flags should be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 4, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual observance honoring the sacrifices of firefighters across the country who have died in the line of duty.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during the same duration of time.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will host a ceremony on Sunday morning at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Md.

This year’s national tribute will honor 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 70 firefighters who died in previous years. Their names have been added to a bronze plaque that will be unveiled during the ceremony, becoming a permanent part of the federal park.

The honorees this weekend will include Engineer Robert E. Sharkevich Sr, age 66, of Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, who died on October 22, 2024, in a vehicle accident during a brush fire.

Detailed information about each of the 140 firefighters being memorialized can be found on the 2025 Roll of Honor, firehero.org/2025-roll-of-honor.

Troy Markel, chair of The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board of Directors, said the weekend “is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others.

“We come together not only to remember the fallen, but to stand in solidarity with their families and departments, letting them know their loved ones will never be forgotten,” Markel added.

NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro said each of the 140 men and women whose names are being added to the national memorial “made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others — a profound sacrifice that defines true heroism.

“Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served,” Stagnaro added.

There are two events open to the public at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center during Memorial Weekend.

The National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service is Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 pm ET.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is Sunday at 10 am ET.

NFFF will livestream both events on the NFFF’s website (firehero.org), YouTube channel, and Facebook page.