Feds announce Firefighters' National Memorial Day

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodaleannounced Firefighters' National Memorial Day in Regina on Friday.

The daywill serve as a tribute to public safety officers who have died in the line of duty and will fall on the second Sunday of September each year.

"Each year, on that day, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on all federal buildings and establishmentsincluding the Peace Tower from sunrise to sunset," Goodale said.

In 2017, the day will fall on Sept. 10.

Goodale said the memorial day for firefighters is needed. A Policeand Peace Officers' NationalMemorial Day was created in1998. It happens yearly on the last Sunday of September.

"That's why we need Firefighters' National Memorial Day," Goodale said.To come together to remember, to mourn together, to support one another and to celebrate those wonderful lives."

Previously, the federal government announced it would be creating anew grant program intended to support families of public safety officers who have died in the line of duty.

The program will receive $80 million from the federal government over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $20 million thereafter.

More than 1,300 firefighters have died on duty since 1848, according tothe Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.