President Trump signed a proclamation making May 2 and May 3 “National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.”
The proclamation “honors the brave volunteer and career firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty — with special reverence for those we have lost over the past year — whose courage and devotion to their communities will never be forgotten.” Trump wrote that Americans “carry their memories forward in gratitude along with the enduring promise of a Nation forever changed by their sacrifice.”
“This weekend, we hold the families, friends, and loved ones of our fallen fire heroes — many of whom are gathered on the beautiful campus of the National Fire Academy at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland — to grieve together, share cherished memories, and find strength in the enduring legacies of those they have lost,” the proclamation reads. “Their grief is truly immeasurable, and we reaffirm our solemn mission to ensure that the names and memories of their loved ones remain forever enshrined in the hearts of our citizens.”
“My Administration remains steadfast in our commitment to unequivocally supporting those who protect us every day. Under my leadership, we will never waver in that incredible responsibility,” it adds. “This weekend, we remember these heroes with solemn reverence and grateful hearts, unite ourselves with those who grieve their passing, and pledge that we will always carry forward the remarkable spirit of service that America’s fallen firefighters championed until their last breath.”
Last year, President Trump signed an executive order to bolster resources needed for firefighters and disaster response. “Firefighters across the country are forced to rely on outdated technology and face challenges in quickly responding to wildfires because of unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy,” the order read. “The Federal Government can empower State and local leaders by streamlining Federal wildfire capabilities to improve their effectiveness and promoting commonsense, technology-enabled local strategies for land management and wildfire response and mitigation.”
