The International Firefighters Day is celebrated every 4th of May each year. It was first celebrated on May 4, 1999. Its purpose is to salute all men and women who ensure that everyone is safe in case of fire. They protect our properties, communities, and the wilderness. Thus, the International Firefighters Day is a day meant to honor these brave people.
About the International Firefighters Day
During the International Firefighters Day, every person in this line of work gets recognizes. They include firefighters both paid and volunteers, fire prevention specialists, hazardous materials specialists, wildland firefighters, emergency medical technicians, firefighting heavy equipment operators, and mechanics, and other people involved in this line of work.
History
Unfortunately, even with extensive research on this topic, we are not sure as to how the International Firefighters Day started and also who started it. All we know is that the first every celebration was held on the 4th of May in the year 1999. It then quickly spread to become an annual worldwide celebration. In addition, we can make a good guess as to why this occasion was founded. Perhaps a person or a group of people thought that firefighters and other people who are involved in fighting fire deserve a special day wherein they are honored and recognized. And from that idea, the International Firefighters Day was born.
Dates
As mentioned earlier, the International Firefighters Day is always celebrated every May 4 each year. This means that the upcoming International Firefighters Day will be held on May 4.
Why Celebrate
The main reason why you should celebrate this important day is to express gratitude to all firefighters in the world. They dedicate their lives in making sure that we live a safe community – one that will be able to survive fire when it wreaks havoc.
You should also celebrate this day to be able to motivate firefighters. Letting them know that people appreciate them for what they do will ignite the fire burning in their hearts which fuel them up to do an even better job.
Celebration Ideas and Activities
The following are the best things to do to make your celebration of the International Firefighters Day as best as it can be:
Wear the IFFD Ribbon
You can celebrate this day by simply wearing an IFFD ribbon. You can also mount it on your vehicle. The IFFD ribbon is colored with red which symbolizes fire and blue which symbolizes water.
Join Social Events that Honor Firefighters
During this day, there may be local events nearby that honor firefighters. You can join in parades, motorcycle runs, or even memorial services for firefighters who have sacrificed their lives to save others.
Celebrate on Social Media
You can also take your celebration of this day on social media. You can, for instance, use the hashtag #InternationalFirefightersDay to let your friends and followers know that you are also participating in the celebration of this important day.
Quotes
- I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice.- Chief Edward F. Croker
- Every firefighter knows that he is always susceptible to this type of tragedy. They go to work every day knowing that they are doing something so positive, that people really respect them and appreciate them. – Thomas Von Essen
- Firefighters don’t go on strike. – Denis Leary
- The innovative leader has to be an arsonist and a firefighter. – Paul Sloane
- You have to do something in your life that is honorable and not cowardly if you are to live in peace with yourself, and for the firefighter it is fire. – Larry Brown
- Delaware’s firefighters put their lives in jeopardy every day in an effort to keep families safe. – Thomas Carper
- With better gear, firefighters no longer surround and drown a fire they go in. – Bill Dedman
- When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. – Edward F. Croker
- But aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown. To our noble hearted Firemen, who fear not danger’s frown. – Fredric G. W. Fenn
- Firefighters are essential to the safety and security of our local communities. We owe it to these men and women to provide them with better training and equipment so they can do their jobs more effectively and safely. – Carl Levin
- A good firefighter knows how, an educated firefighter knows why. – Chris Walker