Thousands of people from across the Badger State are gathering in Wisconsin Rapids this weekend to honor those dedicated to saving others.

It was not only a celebration of heroes, however, but also an opportunity to let families grieve.

Those making their way to the Wisconsin Fire Fighters Memorial are having the opportunity to celebrate all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Saturday, the names of five fallen firefighters who lost their lives in the past year were read with family members in attendance.

Families were then presented with a flag in honor of their loved ones.

Names of all those already on the memorial wall were also read.

Brent Jones, the honor guard commander, says these annual ceremonies allow all who attend a chance to acknowledge not only those who have fallen, but their families as well.

"It’s very touching to be able to see the look and the emotion of the families because they've had a great loss. This is our chance to thank them as the family, for giving up a family member for the line of work we do," said Jones.

Today's ceremony also included the playing of bag pipes and the ring of a bell between the readings of each fallen fire fighter's name, further saluting their sacrifice.