The Town of Cobourg is reminding residents that flags at all municipal buildings will be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, September 14, for Firefighters’ National Memorial Day.
The Government of Canada established this annual day to honour firefighters who risk their lives protecting Canadians and to remember those who have died in the line of duty. Observed nationwide on the second Sunday of September, flags will fly at half-staff on federal and municipal properties, returning to full staff on Monday.
In addition to the national observance, members of the Cobourg Fire Department will attend the Ontario Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at Queen’s Park in Toronto and will honour 54 firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 2024, with their names added to the provincial monument.
The Ontario Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation organizes the service and was incorporated in 2003 to maintain a lasting memorial dedicated to Ontario firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The foundation includes representatives from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Town officials say the half-staff flags and participation in the memorial reflect Cobourg’s respect for the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of firefighters locally and across Canada. Residents are encouraged to take a moment this Sunday to honour the bravery of those who serve.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)