Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags to half-staff on Sunday, May 3 to coincide with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. According to the Governor's office, flags at all state buildings will be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

Beshear said his order follows a proclamation from the White House and Public Law 107-51. In accordance with the same law, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

The names of 204 firefighters who died in the line of duty will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the 45th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, May 2–3, 2026, as families, fire service leaders and communities across the country gather to honor their lives and sacrifice. The congressionally established National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, serves as the nation's official monument honoring firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the annual Memorial Weekend brings hundreds of Fire Hero families, fire service leaders, government officials and supporters together for ceremonies of remembrance, reflection and national tribute. The candlelight service will take place Saturday, May 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm (ET), with the memorial service scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm (ET).

This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the nation honors the brave volunteer and career firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty — with special reverence for those lost over the past year — whose courage and devotion to their communities will never be forgotten.