A memorial to the importance of Civil Defense and Emergency Management in defending our freedoms at home. This virtual cache is located at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, MD.

IMPORTANT: The park is located on the campus of the National Fire Academy, which is a controlled access federal property. Access will be restricted if the Terror Alert Level is raised to Orange (Severe) or higher. Upon arrival, you will need to show ID and may be subject to a random vehicle search. Be sure to view the preceding link for further information prior to your visit. When you arrive, let them know you are there for the Memorial Park, which is available from dawn to dusk.

As of September 2010, work is being done in the ground immediately around the memorial, but it is open for viewing.

On November 5, 2007 a monument, recreating the famous photo of 3 firefighters raising the flag at Ground Zero was dedicated. The memorial honors the sacrifice of the firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.

This 40-foot-tall bronze monument, named "To Lift a Nation," was created by sculptor Stan Watts to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001.

The three-times life-size statue, recreates the now-famous photo taken by Thomas E. Franklin, a photographer for the Bergen Record, who captured the image of three firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero.

"The monument and its flag are symbols of hope and courage for a nation deeply impacted by this tragedy," Watts said. "It honors a moment in the history of our country and reminds us of the bravery and sacrifice made by our firefighters and by thousands of citizens, from all walks of life, who selflessly serve humankind in times of need."

The monument stands 40 feet high, six feet deep and eight feet wide. Each of the three firefighter's statues weigh more than 5,000 pounds and were formed from approximately 160 bronze sections weighing between 60-to-80 pounds each.

From inscription on marker:
Three firemen raised a flag at ground zero in silent tribute to those brave firefighters who answered the call. This noble flag is raised permanently in honor of those heroes and all who serve this great nation. May God continue to bless America!  Sculptor: Stan Watts.

Work is now under way to expand the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park. A brick Walk of Honor winds through the beautiful campus,and will connect the new monument to the historic National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Dedication Ceremony Photos

LOG REQUIREMENTS:

1. Please post a photo of the memorial or some aspect of it with your log.

2. Log Password - When facing the memorial (from the front), look to your right. You will see a yellow pipe with an orange cap. The password is the 8 letter vertical word on the front, followed by the 3 character ID number the left side (letter-number-number). Enter the password in ALL CAPS with no dashes or spaces.

3. In order to log a find, you need to have visited the spot indicated.

As of the time of this listing, you will also have the opportunity to log other virtuals (on multiple sites) and a waymark while you are here.

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