National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service honors firefighters who died in the line of duty while serving their communities. Public Law 107-51 established the flag-lowering observance as a national expression of respect for their service and sacrifice.

On the day of the memorial service, the United States flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset. The direction applies nationwide, and local sunrise and sunset determine the beginning and end of the observance.

This recurring observance does not depend on a new presidential proclamation each year. Its authority comes from the standing federal law linked as the official source.