20 Years of Honor, Duty and Tradition: New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial Marks Milestone Anniversary

On Saturday, September 26, firefighters, families, departments, public safety partners and community members from across the Granite State gathered in Concord to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

It was a morning filled with tradition, reflection and emotion as we remembered the New Hampshire firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and recognized the families who continue to carry their memories forward.

Dedicated on September 10, 2006, after nearly a decade of planning and seven months of construction, the Memorial has served for 20 years as a permanent place of remembrance, honor and respect.

Four Names Added to the Memorial

One of the most significant moments of this year's ceremony was the addition of four names to the Memorial:

• Charles Gallant, Rye Fire Department, 2023

• William Connor, Goffstown Fire Department, 2024

• Aaron Cooper, Keene Fire Department, 2025

• George Hidden, Nashua Fire Department, 1909

With the unveiling of their names, each became a permanent part of a Memorial that ensures generations to come will know and remember those who gave their lives in service to others.

The ceremony continued with many of the traditions that have defined this annual gathering, including the presentation of colors, Governor's wreath presentation, unveiling of the tablet, reading of the necrology and passing of the flowers, the Final Alarm and tolling of the bell. The Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire Pipes and Drums performed Amazing Grace before the recessional of the Pipes and Drums and Honor Guard.

Twenty Years Later

This year's anniversary also provided an opportunity to reflect on the people who helped make the Memorial what it is today.

During the ceremony, retired Hooksett Fire Department Captain Gary Lambert shared words that captured the meaning behind both the Memorial and the generations of firefighters it represents:

Twenty years after its dedication, the Memorial remains much more than stone, names and a bell. It is a place where New Hampshire's fire service family can gather, where families can know their loved ones are remembered, and where future generations can learn about the service and sacrifice of those who came before them.

With Gratitude

A ceremony of this significance does not happen without many people working together.

The New Hampshire State Firemen's Association extends its sincere gratitude to the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Committee and everyone who spent countless hours planning, preparing and caring for the Memorial in anticipation of this milestone anniversary.

Thank you to every speaker and ceremony participant who helped tell the story of our Fallen Firefighters and carry forward the traditions of the New Hampshire fire service.

We are also grateful to the Honor Guards, color guard, Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire Pipes and Drums, Garrison Flag Detail, participating fire departments, firefighters and families, volunteers, supporting organizations and everyone who contributed their time, talents and resources to make the morning possible. The official program recognizes the many agencies, organizations and individuals whose support helped bring the ceremony together.

Most importantly, thank you to the families of our Fallen Firefighters. It is a privilege to stand beside you, remember with you and ensure the service and sacrifice of your loved ones are never forgotten.

Thank You to Our Dignitaries

We were honored to welcome state leaders and dignitaries who joined us in recognizing the significance of this occasion, including Governor Kelly Ayotte, who participated in the ceremony, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, and representatives of the New Hampshire Department of Safety and New Hampshire fire service.

We are equally grateful to those who were unable to attend but took the time to send letters recognizing the 20th Anniversary and honoring New Hampshire's Fallen Firefighters.

United States Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan each shared messages with those gathered for the ceremony.

Senator Shaheen reflected on the Memorial as a place where New Hampshire's fire-service family has gathered for two decades to remember those who answered their final alarm, while also recognizing the parents, spouses, children, friends and loved ones who continue to carry their loss.

Senator Hassan's letter similarly honored the four firefighters whose names were added this year and expressed gratitude to New Hampshire's First Responders and everyone who made the anniversary ceremony possible.

To Everyone Who Joined Us, Thank You

To the firefighters who stood in formation, the retirees who returned, the families who gathered, the departments represented from across the state and every member of the public who took the time to attend, thank you.

Save the Date: September 25, 2027

As we close this milestone anniversary, we also look ahead to the next time we will gather together in remembrance.

Please save the date for Saturday, September 25, 2027, for the next New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony.

We hope you will join us once again as we come together to honor New Hampshire’s Fallen Firefighters, support their families and ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.