VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia will honor 12 brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Richmond International Raceway Complex on Saturday.

One of those honorees is Virginia Beach master firefighter Matt Gallina, a beloved husband and father. He lost his life last year to occupational esophageal cancer.

The 28th Annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, a solemn occasion, is being held in accordance with the Virginia Line of Duty Act . Governor Youngkin will be the guest speaker.

For Gallina's wife, Michelle, the moment will be bittersweet.

"You want to go and you want to enjoy the camaraderie and the support and the love, but it's difficult because you remember why you're there," Michelle said.

Since Gallina's death, Michelle has been channeling

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