National Weekend of Honor Pays Tribute to Fallen EMS Providers

On July 21, 2023, hundreds of emergency medical services providers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia for a three-day memorial service honoring EMS providers who’ve lost their lives. The Weekend of Honor, an event hosted by The United States official National EMS Memorial Service featured events designed to recognize and honor EMS providers and was attended by dignitaries, EMS leaders, business leaders, and government officials from around the country.

The weekend kicked off with a line-of-professional education seminar, followed by the EMS Memorial Bike Ride. The bike ride was led by a procession of EMS vehicles and honored the lives of those who have served in EMS. Each rider wore a dog tag bearing an honoree’s name to recognize this. The bike ride ended with each biker presenting their dog tag to their honoree’s family.

On Saturday, The National EMS Memorial Service took place. The halls were lined with the National EMS Memorial oak leaf walls, with each bronze oak leaf engraved with the name of the honoree-to-date to commemorate the lives sacrificed.

The event was also attended by volunteers from HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, an organization designed to offer solace and motivation to individuals impacted by crises and disasters using animal-assisted support. Several support dogs were in attendance, and event attendees had the opportunity to play with them and learn more about the organization’s mission.

Since 2001, HOPE AACR has experienced significant expansion, now boasting over 300 certified crisis response teams distributed across seven regions in the United States and Canada. HOPE members have demonstrated their readiness by effectively intervening in diverse crises such as major hurricanes, wildfires, train derailments, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, and shootings.

Hundreds of EMS providers filled the auditorium for the Moving Honors Tribute, a procession honoring each of the 59 EMS providers who died in the line of duty.

The Moving Honors Tribute began with a Presentation of Colors and a performance of the National Anthem, followed by opening remarks from Gamunu Wijetunge, Director of the Office of EMS at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Wijetunge welcomed attendees to the event and shared thanked the friends and families of the honorees for attending. He also stressed the importance of improving safety for our EMS providers.

“We honor 59 fallen today, honorees who served their communities and brought comfort to countless people facing the most difficult moments of their lives, whether from a crash or a heart attack or, sometimes, just needing solace and comfort. I cannot imagine a higher calling. A more noble profession. Truly the 59 honorees represent the best of the nation.”

He shared a message for the loved ones of the honorees.

“Your loved ones will always be remembered for the lives they lived and their service to their communities. Your Nation remembers them and thanks you for honoring them.”

He concluded by sharing a quote from President Joe Biden: “Every day across our country paramedics, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, and other first responders rushed to fellow Americans' aid with compassion and life-saving strength. The pandemic made every American aware of the absolute courage and incredible sacrifices made by EMS providers nationwide they have had to work longer hours taking on new roles and new risks often at a great personal cost, whether braving a deadly virus, rushing to save victims of gun violence, enduring dangerous natural disasters, or simply supporting people at the most vulnerable moments of their lives."

Following a video tribute, the Roll Call of Honorees began, with presenters announcing each honoree's name, and displaying their photo on the large screens in the auditorium. The honoree’s family members received three items: A U.S. flag that has flown over the Nation’s Capitol — denoting the honoree’s service to the country; a white rose, representing the honoree’s undying love; and a medallion, signifying the eternal memory of the honoree.

Jana Williams, President of the National EMS Memorial Service, ended the Memorial Service with closing remarks.

"As we near the end of tonight's service, we would again like to offer our heartfelt condolences and our deepest respect to the families of our honorees and their EMS colleagues," Williams says. "It is our sear desire that we provide tributes for you that are helpful and healing."

The weekend ended with a Closing Ceremony where EMS providers in attendance had the opportunity to share their stories and gather together to honor their loved ones lost in the line of duty.