The USFA campus in Emmitsburg will host the NFFF 2026 Memorial Weekend during the ongoing DHS shutdown

EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the campus of the National Emergency Training Center, home to the U.S. Fire Administration, will be open for the 2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 2-3 in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The foundation said in a press release that the decision ensures families of the fallen and members of the fire service community will be able to gather on the USFA campus for ceremonies at the memorial. The organization also thanked the Homeland Security secretary, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and others who worked to make the event possible.

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This year’s Memorial Weekend will honor 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty, with nearly 1,000 family members expected to attend.

Victor Stagnaro, chief executive officer, said the foundation said it is grateful the ceremonies will be held at the National Memorial, calling it the most meaningful place to honor fallen firefighters and support their families while preserving their legacies.

“Honoring America’s fallen firefighters is a national responsibility,” Stagnaro added. “We are thankful to everyone who helped make it possible for the fire service community and Fire Hero Families to come together in this sacred place during the partial government shutdown.”

The Memorial Weekend will feature the Candlelight Service on May 2 and the National Memorial Service on May 3, both of which will be livestreamed. May 3 also marks the end of Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, a nationwide remembrance campaign in which landmarks, firehouses and homes are lit red.

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