Pappas, McClain Delaney Lead Call for DHS to Keep the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Open Ahead of Annual Remembrance

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) led a call urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure the United States Fire Administration campus in Emmitsburg, MD–home to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial–remains fully open and accessible to families and the public during its annual memorial weekend on May 2-3, 2026. 

This year, 204 firefighters from 43 states who died in the line of duty will be honored at the site during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, including New Hampshire Fire Captain Scott Brown of Northwood Fire who passed in August 2025. Their names will be etched in bronze at the memorial, which was constructed in 1981 and designated by Congress in 1990 as a National Memorial. Due to the current funding lapse, access to the campus and memorial is uncertain. The lawmakers are calling on DHS to ensure the site remains fully open and accessible throughout the commemoration. 

“The firefighters we recognize this year died in service to others. Their families now carry that legacy forward. They should not be faced with additional uncertainty when traveling to the one place established to honor their loved ones on behalf of an entire grateful nation,” the lawmakers wrote. 

“[T]his is far more than a logistical concern,” the lawmakers stated. “It represents an irreplaceable moment of remembrance for their families, friends, and colleagues–many of whom may never again have the opportunity to gather at the Memorial where their loved one is permanently honored.” 

Read the letter here and below:

Dear Secretary Mullin, 

Congress established the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation with a clear and solemn mission: to honor America’s fallen firefighters at the national level and to stand with the families they leave behind. This year, that mission faces an unexpected challenge. 

Due to the current funding lapse affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), access to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) campus—home to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial—is uncertain. In times of funding disruption, even places of profound national significance can be impacted. 

As negotiations over Fiscal Year 2026 funding for DHS continue, we respectfully urge you to take all necessary actions to ensure that the USFA campus and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial remain open and fully accessible to the families attending this year’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 2–3, 2026, and for all years in the future. 

For the 204 firefighters being honored this year, representing 43 states, this is far more than a logistical concern. It represents an irreplaceable moment of remembrance for their families, friends, and colleagues—many of whom may never again have the opportunity to gather at the Memorial where their loved one is permanently honored. 

When Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, it did so with clear intent: that those who gave their lives in service would be recognized not only by their local communities, but by the nation as a whole. The Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, stands as the enduring expression of that promise—a place where names are etched in bronze, where families find solace, and where the country pauses to honor sacrifice. 

The firefighters we recognize this year died in service to others. Their families now carry that legacy forward. They should not be faced with additional uncertainty when traveling to the one place established to honor their loved ones on behalf of an entire grateful nation. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your continued support of our nation’s fire service and Fire Hero Families. 

Sincerely,