Marriottsville, MD- The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will host its annual remembrance event at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens to recognize career and volunteer fallen fire and rescue service members. The Honor and Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2021, in the Garden of Valor.
“No matter how many years have passed, no matter how many periods of crisis we endure, we will never forget those who sacrificed their lives in service,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “The fire service has a great tradition of family, honor and respect, and it is evident in the service provided by our brothers and sisters. These heroes and their families deserve our thanks, appreciation, and our eternal gratitude. We will never forget the service and sacrifice of those in the Garden of Valor.”
The Garden of Valor was dedicated on June 21, 2012. The parcel of land has been set aside for firefighters, paramedics, police officers, emergency medical technicians, sheriffs, and other emergency workers.
“Honoring our brothers and sisters that have gone before us with this ceremony is a vital tradition that we intend to keep,” said Fire Chief Lou Winston. “It’s difficult to hear the new names added each year, but when we remember them, their legacies live on. We will not soon forget them.”
The ceremony will take place at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, located at 2150 Mount View Road in Marriottsville. It will begin at 2:00 pm in the Garden of Valor. All career, volunteer, auxiliary members of the department, their family and friends, all members of the community, and media are encouraged to attend. The ceremony will feature the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums of Greater Baltimore, a combined fire and rescue Honor Guard representing the organizations of those being remembered, as well as guest speakers and dignitaries.
For more information please contact the Office of Community Outreach and Media Affairs at 410-313-6039.