On May 4, people of the courageous profession celebrate their professional holiday – Firefighters Day – at the international level, protecting and saving the lives of people, animals, property, and ecosystem objects from fire. Often the fight against fire takes the lives of these brave professionals.
International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) was born precisely after similar tragic events related to extinguishing a forest fire in December 1998 that occurred in Australia. Then five firefighters died in the line of duty. This event was not the first time that anti-fire fighters had died, but it was precisely this that pushed caring people to establish an International Day, when it would be possible to honor heroic firefighters, as well as honor the memory of those killed in the line of duty.
This initiative has been picked up in many countries around the world, facilitated by its spread over the Internet. The date chosen for the celebration was the day of honoring St. Florian, considered the heavenly patron of firefighters, and since in many countries it is May 4 that firefighters celebrate their professional holiday.
People of this profession are united by such qualities as professionalism, courage, determination, and dedication.
Traditionally, on May 4, firefighters in many countries around the world remember their comrades who gave their lives in the name of the lives of other people. Wreaths are brought to monuments and memorials, and memorial events are held in the departments along with ceremonial events.
It is worth noting that in Russia Fire Protection Day is celebrated on April 30 in accordance with its traditions, however, it is also located on the calendar not far from International Firefighters Day.
The symbol of the holiday is a red and blue ribbon, where the red color symbolizes flame, and the blue color symbolizes water. A firefighter, doing his job, becomes a fighter against the fire element, using the power of another element – of water for his own purposes.
In many countries, May 4 is a professional holiday for all emergency workers working as well as firefighters on 24-hour duty and often performing their duties shoulder to shoulder with firefighters.
• Infographics – poster «4 May — International Firefighters Day»