By Heather Willard | Fox31
DENVER (KDVR) — Flags in Colorado will fly at half-staff on Sunday to honor firefighters who risked their lives to protect fellow citizens as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
The annual event is held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and commemorates the lives of volunteer and professional firefighters who have died in the line of duty over the past year and beyond.
“Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others,” reads a proclamation made by President Donald Trump on May 1. “We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession — this solemn calling — in spite of the inherent risks.”
The proclamation went on to note the heroic efforts of firefighters on and after Sept. 11, 2001, and the destructive and deadly wildfires in southern California earlier this year. Trump also spoke of one firefighter who said, “forever hold a profound place in my life.”