Sunday marked the first ever Firefighters’ National Memorial Day in Canada and it was celebrated at fire halls in Grande Prairie and Peace River. Ceremonies were held and flags across both the city and town were lowered to half-mast.
In August, the federal government set aside the second Sunday of every September as a way to thank members of the fire service for their bravery and dedication to the community. It’s also an opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us.
On the same day every year since 2004, the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation holds a ceremony at the memorial site to remember and pay tribute to firefighters killed in the line of duty. This year, two members of the Grande Prairie Fire Department attended to pay their respects.
Previously, there was no national day memorializing firefighters, and the intention was to hold it as close to possible as September 11th.
