International Firefighters' Day
Don a red and blue lapel ribbon and honor the sacrifices of firefighters around the globe.
Summary: While International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a relatively new holiday, its impact can be felt around the world. According to the official IFFD website, the day began when JJ Edmondson, a volunteer firefighter in Australia, vowed to create an international day of recognition and support for firefighters. Edmondson was inspired by the deaths of five firefighters who lost their lives while working. Since then, people around the world have observed IFFD as a way to honor the daily sacrifices firefighters make to protect the lives of the people in their communities.
IFFD takes place annually on May 4th. The date is linked to St. Florian’s Day. Saint Florian, a martyr, was also the first commander of a firefighting squad during the Roman Empire. Saint Florian is now known as the patron saint of firefighters.
What to do: There is no official greeting for International Firefighters’ Day. Participants are encouraged to wear or display blue and red ribbons. Blue and red are symbolic colors for emergency services and the profession of firefighting: blue for water and red for fire. During the first Sunday of May at noon local time, firehouses and firefighters may put on their sirens for 30 seconds, followed by a minute of silence, to commemorate deceased firefighters or those who lost their lives in the line of duty. This event is called “Sound Off.”