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Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Ring in tribute on May 4-5, during the National Memorial

Bells will ring from coast to coast as a grateful nation pauses on Sunday, May 5, 2024, to honor those firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and previous years. Fire departments and their places of worship will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Sign Up for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Help us ring bells nationwide during the National Memorial Weekend

NFFF Bell of Remembrance

Help Promote Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Flyer 2024
Download Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Graphics

#BellsForFirefighters2024

Join Us for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters This Spring

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is asking communities, fire service organizations, and religious organizations to help us honor our fallen firefighters by participating in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters on May 4-5, 2024. A moment of remembrance can occur at any time leading up to and including the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Fire department representatives are encouraged to work with their clergy and community leaders to develop an appropriate tribute.

Sign Up for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters 2024

The sound of a bell holds special significance for firefighters.

Long before there were telephones and radios in use in America, fire departments utilized the telegraph to receive fire alarms. The toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station. When a firefighter died 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.
Fire Bell

How to organize a Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters remembrance

Reach out to your place of worship, local fire department(s), or 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.

We want to recognize your participation on our website, please share your event with us. The NFFF will list your event on our website and pin it on our special Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters map.

Once you have planned your event, invite family, friends, and neighbors using social media, email, newsletters, and list-serves.

A remembrance can occur at any time between May 4 – 5, 2024, leading up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

The 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 bells@firehero.org and/or share with #bellsforfirefighters2024

If you have any questions, please contact us at bells@firehero.org.

Watch Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Video

Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters Playlist
1/5 videos
1
Bells Across America Ceremony
Bells Across America Ceremony
09:33
2
USAF firefighters bring Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters to SW Asia
USAF firefighters bring Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters to SW Asia
00:02
3
Rothschild Fire Dept- Bells Across America Tribute 001.AVI
Rothschild Fire Dept- Bells Across America Tribute 001.AVI
05:41
4
Kingsport Fire Department- Bells Across America Ceremony 2012
Kingsport Fire Department- Bells Across America Ceremony 2012
01:07
5
Bells Across America: 332 AEW Firefighters Pay Tribute
Bells Across America: 332 AEW Firefighters Pay Tribute
02:23

Frequently Asked Questions

Bells can be rung at any time of the day. The bells at the Memorial Chapel will ring at approximately 10 am (EST) 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.
Work with their 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.

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.

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.

You can ring the bells in any manner.

Yes, we want as many people as possible to show their respect for the nation’s fallen firefighters and their survivors. 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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