U.S. flags will be flown at half‑staff nationwide this weekend in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, an annual tribute honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty.
The nationwide half‑staff observance is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, and is traditionally carried out in connection with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Memorial Weekend is scheduled to run May 2–3.
In a proclamation issued Thursday, President Donald Trump designated May 2–3, 2026, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend and ordered U.S. flags flown at half‑staff at all federal buildings on Sunday, May 3, in accordance with Public Law 107‑51.
Honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty, the president said their “courage and devotion to their communities will never be forgotten.” He praised those who “answer the call when it matters most,” and affirmed that the nation’s gratitude “must be matched by action” in supporting those who serve and the families they leave behind.
What The Law Says
Public Law 107‑51 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 16, 2001, following passage by Congress earlier that month.
The legislation requires American flags on all federal office buildings to be lowered to half‑staff each year in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
It grew out of formal congressional recognition of the risks faced by firefighters and emergency service personnel, noting that roughly one million Americans serve in fire and emergency services and that approximately 100 firefighters die each year in the line of duty.
Lawmakers approved the measure to ensure an annual, visible national tribute tied to the memorial service in Emmitsburg.
Since its passage, the half‑staff observance has become one of the few days each year explicitly designated by federal law for lowering the American flag in tribute.
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which Congress tasked with honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty and supporting the families they leave behind.
Each year, families, fire service members, and communities gather at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg.
The 2026 memorial service will honor firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2025, as well as those from previous years.
In addition to the memorial service, the weekend includes nationwide observances such as Sound the Sirens, Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, and Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, encouraging communities to participate even if they cannot attend in person.
The foundation also urges Americans to lower flags at homes, businesses, and fire departments on May 3, following the federal government’s example, and to ask state and local leaders to issue proclamations recognizing the fallen.
“Remember to lower the American flags at your home, fire department, and business,” the foundation says on its website. “Encourage your local community to follow the Federal Government’s example. When you lower your flag this year, you will recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities from natural and manmade emergencies and disasters and those who carry on the proud tradition.”
The official presidential proclamation confirming the nationwide half‑staff order is expected to apply to federal buildings across all states, including the White House and the U.S. Capitol Building.
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