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Permanent Memorial Site Chosen; Annual Service Held in Roanoke, VA
A permanent memorial to honor the ultimate sacrifices of EMS providers is a step closer to reality. A monument will be built in a park in Colorado Springs—in the same venue as a memorial honoring fallen firefighters.
"The view from the site is absolutely breathtaking," says Kevin Dillard, president of the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS). "When people see the view, they will understand just how perfect this selection is."
Proposed designs for the monument will be sought from personnel across the nation, with the first memorial service at the new site set for 2010.
"There's a lot of work to be done, but we're confident we'll be ready," says Dillard.
For the past 16 years, volunteers have organized, paid for and hosted an annual memorial service in Roanoke, VA, to honor EMS providers who have died in the line of duty. Roanoke was originally selected as the site because it's the home of the nation's first rescue squad. On this past Memorial Day weekend, people from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii traveled to Virginia to honor their loved ones. It was one of the largest gatherings ever, as 73 prehospital care providers were honored for their sacrifices.
To date, the names of 423 people have been engraved on bronze oak leaves at the memorial. When the permanent monument is erected, they will be memorialized there as well.
The oak leaf, Dillard says, has been accepted as a symbol of strength, valor and solid character. Memorial officials hope the design for the new site will include an oak tree.
The NEMSMS directors and volunteers strive to make the weekend a memorable one for families. Unlike other organizations, they have no corporate sponsors, so they rely on contributions and donations to help them pay proper tribute to the fallen heroes. The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Inc.—responsible for getting the service started—continues to be the largest supporter. This past year, it donated more than $8,000 toward the event.
"That, of course, doesn't include all the work and other things members did," Dillard says. "The weekend would not be possible if it weren't for the generous donations of squads and individuals."
For the first time this year, a luncheon was held for the families on Saturday afternoon. "It gave them an opportunity to meet one another, to mingle, to share stories. It was incredible. I believe strong friendships were forged," notes Dillard.
Hours later, they came together again. This time, it was in a more formal setting—the First Baptist Church. Uniformed honor guards stood at the doors. As the picture of each person being memorialized was flashed on the screen, their family members were escorted to the sanctuary to receive a medal, a U.S. flag and a white rose. Those accepting the tokens included parents, spouses, siblings, fellow EMS providers and children. After the service, hundreds of uniformed personnel lined the block in front of the church and saluted as a medevac helicopter did a flyover. Later, the families enjoyed a reception hosted by the volunteers.
On Sunday morning, many took the podium during a breakfast to share special memories. Dillard says the Sunday morning family breakfast has been cited as one of the most memorable events of the weekend. More than ever, he says, survivors are exchanging phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
NEMSMS is hoping to get a survivors' network organized, Dillard says. "When a person loses a loved one, it's good for them to talk to someone who's experienced the same thing. I think it would be so beneficial to have something like that."
For more information on the memorial service, visit www.nemsms.org.
