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Memorial Weekend slideshow
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Today and tomorrow the Nation pays tribute to 105 firefighters who have died in the line-of-duty. And thanks to the fire service web community and some general news sites more people than ever will get to see the ceremonies this weekend. This year we have more than tripled the number of sites planning to carry the Candlelight Service tonight at 6:45 PM EDT and the Memorial Service tomorrow at 9:30 AM EDT.
From the large name brand websites, to regional and local blogs, to fire department websites, the fire service is helping the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honor the memory of the fallen firefighters whose names will be added to the Memorial. It is not too late to be a part of this. If you have a website, be it fire service related or other, click here to get the details on how to share the telecasts with your audience (make sure you tell us you are carrying the services on the web – dstatter@firehero.org).
FEMA, lead by Administrator Craig Fugate, the United States Fire Administration with USFA Acting Administrator Glenn Gaines, the USFA studios PREPNet, Motorola Inc., WUSA9.com in Washington, DC and CrossCreek TV have partnered with the Foundation to originate these telecasts.
I have been on campus in Emmitsburg since Thursday. While I am honored to again be the face (such as it is) of the telecasts, along with my wife Hillary Howard, my role is quite minor. As usual Hillary and I sit in awe of how this operation comes together each year. Under the direction of Raliegh Fire Department Chief John McGrath, who is again the IC, almost 1500 volunteers get the job done. It is an amazing thing to watch and is another example of the can-do spirit of firefighters. Check out the video above to get an idea of what I am talking about.
There are some new elements this year to watch out for. We have dedicated a number of people to make sure there is more information and news from the weekend on the Foundation’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. And for the first time there will be podcasting. John Mitchell, Rhett Fleitz with assistance from Willie Wines, have set up Firefighter Netcast on campus to bring you FireHero Radio. Tune in to hear from the people who make the weekend happen and for some of the stories of the firefighters who are being honored.
You are all invited on campus to experience Memorial Weekend. If you can’t join us in person please watch the telecasts.
Below we have a video clip of one visitor we had last year. It is Engine 62 of Ohio’s Loveland-Symmes Fire Department. Chief Otto Huber talks to us abouth this mobile billboard.
