Fallen Firefighters Foundation Published Sept. 2, 2011 By Donald Warner, Air Force Fire Chief WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- On October 16, 2001, President George W. Bush approved legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. This year's Memorial Service is 16 Oct 11. The link www.firehero.org/resources/departments/flag.html provides additional information.