FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN YOUR COMMUNITYfor Fallen Firefighters taking place the week of September 29...

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2019 RESOURCE GUIDE ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ WAYS TO HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Transcript of FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN YOUR COMMUNITYfor Fallen Firefighters taking place the week of September 29...

Page 1: FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN YOUR COMMUNITYfor Fallen Firefighters taking place the week of September 29 – October 6. Show your support of the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

2019 RESOURCE GUIDE

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WAYS TO HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERSIN YOUR COMMUNITY

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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 2019 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Resource Guide

#FIREHERO2019

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is pleased to offer this online resource guide to help you plan and market your participation in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend October 5 - 6, 2019. This guide contains ideas, messages, artwork, and more to help organize and promote an event in your community.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute sponsored by the Foundation, honors all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland and watch the services online. Many help us honor these firefighters and their families and you can too.

Landmarks and fire departments throughout the United States will light up in red to honor our fallen firefighters. Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, which began in 2017, will light the nation again this year from September 29 - October 6, 2019, to show support for our Fire Hero families and their co-workers. We encourage you to share sites near you or light your building in tribute.

Bells will ring from coast to coast as a grateful nation pauses on Sunday, October 6, 2019, to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2018 and previous years. Fire departments, places of worship, and other community organizations will join us again for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, October 5 - 6, 2019. We invite you to take part in this national tribute by holding your own local Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters event.

OVERVIEW

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MEMORIAL WEEKEND RESOURCES

2019 Roll of HonorVisit our 2019 Roll of Honor online to read about the firefighters being honored this year. Profiles include a photo and biography of loved ones of each fallen firefighter. To learn more about all the fallen firefighters included in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial visit the Roll of Honor at: www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighters.

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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 2019 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Resource Guide

#FIREHERO2019

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Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend features special programs for families and co-workers along with poignant public ceremonies. Learn more at: weekend.firehero.org.

Sign the Virtual Remembrance BannerThe Remembrance Banner is a Memorial Weekend tradition. On this virtual Remembrance Banner page you can pay tribute to a fallen firefighter or share a Memorial Weekend story.Sign the remembrance banner at: www.firehero.org/remembrance-banner.

Watch or Show the Candlelight and Memorial Services LiveThe National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will provide live satellite broadcasts and web streaming of both the Candlelight Service and the Memorial Service. You can find instructions to embed the video on your website or watch both services live at live.firehero.org.

Watch a Forever in Our Hearts® Hero TributeDuring the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, Fire Hero families have a chance to record a Fire Hero Tribute video to share memories of their firefighter. You can remember these firefighters by watching their story. Visit www.firehero.org/hero-tribute

Feature Heroes on Your WebsiteHelp us honor America’s firefighters who have died in the line of duty. You can pay tribute on your website by including the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget. Learn more at: www.firehero.org/widget.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND RESOURCES

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SAMPLE PROCLAMATION

Whereas, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated the day of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service as a day to honor firefighters and emergency services personnel who have sacrificed their lives to save others by lowering the American flag on all federal buildings to half-staff; and Whereas, an average of 100 firefighters courageously make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty each year; and

Whereas, the events of September 11, 2001, brought national attention to the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices faced by fire and emergency services personnel on a daily basis; and

Whereas, firefighters and emergency services personnel play an essential role in the protection of lives and property in our local community; and

Whereas, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service marks the beginning of the annual Fire Prevention Week observance; and

Whereas, it is of major importance that we increase our efforts to reduce deaths, injuries, and property losses from fire;

Therefore, I (title) of the (municipality), now call upon all citizens of the (municipality) and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the day of October 6, 2019, in recognition of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire and emergency services personnel by lowering American flags on all buildings to half-staff. I encourage appropriate services and ceremonies in which all of our citizens may participate to honor fire and emergency services personnel, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to duties, have rendered invaluable service to our community and its citizens.

I further call upon citizens of the (municipality) to remember all fire and emergency personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community and to pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.

(A section on Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters and Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters activities could be inserted here.)

In witness thereof, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Seal of the (municipality) to be affixed.

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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 2019 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Resource Guide

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LIGHT THE NIGHT FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

As part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, and to honor fallen firefighters, the Foundation created Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. As dusk turns to dark, landmarks across the country will again glow in respect from September 29 – October 6, 2019, for the fallen and their families. In 2019, Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters will expand its fire department tributes by offering special filters. Fire service organizations nationwide are invited to light their firehouse or facilities in red to honor America’s bravest.

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LIGHTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can we buy lights for our fire department?If your department, agency, or organization does not already have red lighting installed, you may consider a red spotlight. Your organization can purchase special filters/gels at: us.rosco.com/en/light-night-fallen-firefighters-rosco. Individuals may also choose to light their homes with a red light bulb in support of our fallen firefighters.

How does the Foundation know that we honored the fallen firefighters?We ask that you sign up on our website and provide some detail about your tribute. Once you are signed up to hold your own Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters event, please post photos, stories, and/or videos on social media using the hashtags #nffflightthenight2019 #firehero2019. You can also E-mail photos and videos to Donna Clark at [email protected].

How can we get our community to participate?You may use the outreach materials included in this guide to get your local media involved in sharing your event with the community. We urge you to share Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters with other civic organizations, churches, institutions in your community. If you are a fire service organization or department, you can challenge other departments and/or organizations to participate.

What night should we participate?The 38th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held October 5 – 6, 2019. On Saturday, October 5, 2019, the families of the fallen will gather in Emmitsburg for a Candlelight Service while landmarks and fire service organizations across the country participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. While many events will participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters on Saturday night, any night from September 29 - October 6, 2019 is appropriate.

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PLAN YOUR LIGHT TRIBUTE

1. Plan Your Light TributeIn 2019, we invite fire departments and fire service organizations to participate in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. You can begin by setting a date and time for your Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters tribute, anytime between September 29 – October 6, 2019.

2. Organize Your Materials & Test Your PlanIf your organization does not already have red lighting installed in the bays, you can also consider a red spotlight. Departments can also purchase special filters for their lights at: www.rosco.com/light-the-night.

3. Sign Up to ParticipateWe want to recognize your participation on our website, visit www.firehero.org/lights-signup to share your event with the NFFF. Your event will be listed on our website and pinned on our special Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters map.

4. Promote Your EventOnce you have planned your tribute, please share the event with your community through your social media, digital signboard, community newsletters, etc. Contact your local media and send a media advisory about your tribute to the nation’s fallen firefighters.

5. Hold Your Event & Share Your StoryThe Foundation will show our families how their loved ones were honored and would like to collect photos and stories to give future participants ideas. Email us at [email protected] and/or share with #nffflightthenight2019.

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LIGHTS PRINT & DIGITAL GRAPHICS

Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters Website & Social Media Graphics

For all Graphics visit www.firehero.org/light-the-night

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SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS

This weekend, the names of 92 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2018 and 27 who died in previous years will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the annual memorial service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

We are proud to join landmarks, fire departments, and communities across the country for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. As we shine our light for these heroes, we ask that you pause for a moment to reflect on the great sacrifice of these brave men and women and to think about their loved ones.

[PAUSE FOR 5 SECONDS]

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LIGHTS SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE SAMPLES

This year’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters will take place September 29 to October 6. Encourage your fire department and local landmarks and buildings to light up in red to honor America’s fallen firefighters. More info: www.firehero.org/light-the-night #nffflightthenight2019

Visit firehero.org/light-the-night for social media graphics to use for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters taking place the week of September 29 – October 6. Show your support of the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #firehero2019 #nffflightthenight2019

Landmarks, buildings, and firehouses across the country will be lit in red September 29 to October 6 in honor of America’s fallen heroes. For more information on how to participate in this annual tradition, visit www.firehero.org/light-the-night #nfffnightthelight2019

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LIGHTS MEDIA ADVISORY TEMPLATE

Customize the media advisory template and distribute to local media to raise awareness and generate participation in your event.

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information

*** Media Alert ***Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters

Tribute to Take Place at YOUR LOCATION National remembrance honors firefighters who died in the line of duty

Who: [List your department/organization name]

What: [Provide a brief description of the event. (e.g. YOUR ORGANIZATION joins the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters, part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. )

When: [Event date and time]

Where: [Event address]

Why: Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters is a nationwide tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty.

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LIGHTS PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information

YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION Shines a Light for Fallen Firefighters

Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters Part of National Memorial Service

CITY, STATE – As dusk turns to dark during the first weekend of October, more than 80 iconic buildings, landmarks and fire departments across the country will glow in respect to the fallen and their families for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. Participants include One World Trade Center in New York City, the PECO Crown Lights in Philadelphia, the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, and the LAX Pylons in Los Angeles. This nationwide lighting is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 5 and 6, in Emmitsburg, Maryland and sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). The YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION will light up in tribute on DATE, TIME.

SAMPLE QUOTE: “YOUR LOCATION/ORGANIZATION is honored to take part in Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters,” said NAME. “We are proud to add our light to this radiant nationwide tribute. Our lights shine bright, not only in memory of America’s fallen heroes, but in support of their loved ones.”

During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 92 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2018 and 27 firefighters who died in previous years will be honored. A bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information, is available at weekend.firehero.org.

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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation H 2019 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend Resource Guide

#FIREHERO2019

TOLLING OF THE BELL

Long before there were telephones and radios in use in America, fire departments utilized the telegraph to receive fire alarms from those once-familiar red fire alarm boxes which stood on practically every street corner of our Nation’s cities.

When a firefighter fell in the line of duty, the Fire Alarm Office, the forerunner of today’s computerized Fire Communications Centers, would “tap out” a special signal, “Five-Five-Five” over the telegraph fire alarm circuits which went to all station houses.

Done for the purpose of notification, and as a sign of honor and respect, such symbolism has been a long-honored fire service tradition which still continues in some cities today.

We utilize theses traditions as symbols of honor and respect for those who have given so much and served so well. And so, for those who have selflessly devoted their lives for the good of their communities and fellow citizens, the bell tolls their last alarm, for they have gone home.

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BELLS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What time should the bells ring?Bells can be rung at any time of the day. The bells at the Memorial Chapel will ring at approximately 10 am (EDT) to begin the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Different time zones, timing of local services and other factors play a role so you and your organization should decide what is best for your group.

Is there a program or script that we need to follow?Work with your organization to decide what is best. Some suggested service ideas could include: a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, a bell toll by members of the fire department, or any combination of these.

My organization doesn’t have bells. What can we do instead?You can still have a moment of silence, prayer, song or other form of remembrance during your event. You can also ring a ceremonial bell during the service if you have one. Work with your organization to decide what’s right for your event.

My church has multiple services on Sundays and can’t ring the bells at each one. Can we just ring the bells once?Absolutely. You may want to have a moment of remembrance at each service and inform the congregants that the bells will ring in honor of the fallen firefighters at a certain time. Work with your clergy to decide what is best.

Do we have to ring the bells a certain number of times?You can ring the bells in any manner.

I’m not affiliated with a fire department, can I still organize an event?Yes, we want as many people as possible to show their respect for the nation’s fallen firefighters and their families. We invite fire departments, religious organizations, community groups, scouting groups, fraternal organizations, civic associations, and high school, college and recreational sports teams.

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PLAN YOUR BELLS EVENT

1. Plan Your EventReach out to your place of worship, local fire department(s), or any community groups that you are involved in to organize a tribute for fallen firefighters. You may also want to add a special tribute to an existing event such as a sporting event, performance, or other local event.

2. Sign Up to ParticipateWe want to recognize your participation on our website, visit www.firehero.org/bells-signup to share your event with the NFFF. Your event will be listed on our website and pinned on our special Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters map.

3. Promote Your EventOnce you have planned your event, invite family, friends, and neighbors using social media, E-mail, newsletters, and online communities.

4. Hold Your EventA remembrance can occur at any time between September 29 - October 6, 2019 leading up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

5. Share Your StoryThe NFFF would like to feature examples of events to show our families how their loved ones were honored. We would also like to give future participants ideas to plan an event in their community. Email us at [email protected] and/or share with #bellsforfirefighters2019

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BELLS EVENT PRINT & DIGITAL GRAPHICS

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Website & Social Media Graphics

For all Graphics visit www.BellsAcross America.com

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BELLS MEDIA ADVISORY TEMPLATE

Customize the media advisory template and distribute to local media to raise awareness and generate participation in your event.

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information

*** Media Alert ***Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Event to Take Place at YOUR LOCATION National remembrance honors firefighters who died in the line of duty

Who: [List names of officials/dignitaries attending your event]

What: [Provide a brief description of the event. (e.g. YOUR ORGANIZATION joins the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other organizations in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. )

When: [Event date and time]

Where: [Event address]

Why: Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a nationwide tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty.

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BELLS PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Your Media Contact Information

Join a Nationwide Tribute for Fallen FirefightersBells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Part of National Memorial Service

CITY, STATE – Since the early days of the fire service, bells have been used as a way to summon firefighters to a station, communicate the type of emergency, or announce the end of a shift. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, a special sequence of five bells was tapped. The tolling of bells is still a tradition to honor the fallen during funerals and memorial services for firefighters.You can be part of a national tradition to honor the memories of firefighters who died in the line of duty and show your support for their families. Join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. This poignant tribute is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 5 - 6, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The moment of remembrance will occur at DATE, TIME, and LOCATION.

SAMPLE QUOTE: “Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a unique, grass-roots opportunity for a community to pay their respects to these brave men and women,” said NAME. “It is also a very meaningful way to show the families of the fallen that their loved ones will not be forgotten.”

More than 6,000 people, including Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters will attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, pipes and drums, and honor guard units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.

A complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information is available at weekend.firehero.org.

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SAMPLE LETTER TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Dear Friend of the Fire Service,

The YOUR ORGANIZATION and our nation’s firefighters need your support.

Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The families of the fallen and thousands of fire service members gather for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland to honor the lives and sacrifices of these heroes.

It is a time-honored tradition to ring bells during funerals and memorial services for firefighters. In keeping with this custom, the bells of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel will ring at the beginning of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 6, 2019, in tribute to the fallen heroes.

Your local fire department and the NFFF invite you to be part of this national remembrance by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. Your participation can occur at any time during the weekend of October 5 - 6. We encourage you to work with the YOUR ORGANIZATION to create a tribute that is appropriate for your organization, such as tolling a ceremonial bell by members of the department during your gathering, a moment of silence, a brief prayer or a song.

Please join us and hundreds of other fire departments and community organizations in this tradition that honors the memories of the fallen and reassures the families that their loved ones will never be forgotten. To learn more visit www.BellsAcrossAmerica.com.

Sincerely,

YOUR ORGANIZATION

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SAMPLE LETTER TO RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Dear Clergy Member,

YOUR ORGANIZATION and our nation’s firefighters need your prayers.

Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The families of the fallen and thousands of fire service members gather for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland to honor the lives and sacrifices of these heroes.

It is a time-honored tradition to ring bells during funerals and memorial services for firefighters. In keeping with this custom, the bells of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel will ring at the beginning of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 6, 2019, in tribute to the fallen heroes.

Your local fire department and the NFFF invite you to be part of this national remembrance by participating in the Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. Your participation can occur at any time during the weekend October 5 - 6. We encourage you to work with a representative from your fire department to create a tribute that is appropriate for your congregation. Some examples include: ringing chapel bells, a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, or tolling a ceremonial bell by members of the fire department during your service.

Please join us and hundreds of other fire departments and community organizations in this tradition that honors the memories of the fallen and reassures the families that their loved ones will never be forgotten. To learn more visit www.BellsAcrossAmerica.com.

Sincerely,

YOUR ORGANIZATION

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SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS

Tomorrow, the names of 92 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2018 and 27 who died in previous years will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the annual memorial service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

We are proud to take part in the Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters tribute. We ask you to pause for a moment to reflect on the great sacrifice of these brave firefighters and to think about their loved ones.

[PAUSE FOR 5 SECONDS]

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BELLS SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE SAMPLES

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. You can be part of this special remembrance on Sunday, October 6. Visit bellsacrossamerica.com for information. #bellsforfirefighters2019 #firehero2019

National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel bells will ring on October 6 to honor those who died in the line of duty. Your department, place of worship or community group can be part of this special moment. More info: bellsacrossamerica.com #bellsforfirefighters2019 #firehero2019

Visit bellsacrossamerica.com for social media graphics to use for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters taking place October 5 – 6. Show your support of the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #firehero2019 #bellsforfirefighters2019

Invite your place of worship to be part of Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters. Visit bellsacrossamerica.com for more information. #bellsforfirefighters2019 #firehero2019

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MORE SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE SAMPLES

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is on October 6. One-hundred nineteen firefighters will be honored including 92 firefighters from 2018 and 27 firefighters from previous years. For information on how your community can honor these firefighters, visit weekend.firehero.org. #firehero2019

Watch the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 6 at 10AM (Eastern) on live.firehero.org. For more information about the Memorial Service, visit live.firehero.org. #firehero2019

There are 119 firefighters being honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on October 6. One way to honor these firefighters is to read about them at: firehero.org/events/memorial-weekend/about/2019-roll-of-honor/.

There are many ways you and your community can participate in honoring the fallen firefighters who will be honored at this year’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Visit weekend.firehero.org for information on Bells Across America and Light the Night. #firehero2019 #bellsforfirefighters2019 #nffflightthenight2019

This weekend, thousands will gather at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Show us how you and your community are honoring firefighters by posting your photos and tagging them: #firehero2019 #bellsforfirefighters2019 #nffflightthenight2019.

Honor the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters and Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. Visit weekend.firehero.org for more information. #bellsforfirefighters2019 #nffflightthenight2019 #firehero2019

Page 25: FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN YOUR COMMUNITYfor Fallen Firefighters taking place the week of September 29 – October 6. Show your support of the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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