Washington, DC. (Oct. 30, 2015) – The National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride are pleased to announce that the 2016 National EMS Weekend of Honor will take place the third weekend in May, which coincides with the conclusion of National EMS Week. The weekend features multiple events to honor the nation’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride’s East Coast route takes place May 14-20, 2016. The ride begins in Boston and ends in Arlington, Va., arriving in time to open the Weekend of Honor. The NEMSMBR implements long distance cycling events that recognize the lives of EMS providers who have died in the line of duty, as well as providers who have given significantly to EMS and have died of other causes.
The weekend’s culminating event, the National EMS Memorial Service, which honors fallen EMS providers who have died in the line of duty, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21.
While many details about the specific activities are still being planned for the EMS Weekend of Honor, a block of rooms has been held at the hotel and anyone interested in attending the events may book a room in the block from now until April 25, 2016, when the block is released.
To book a room in the block, visit https://resweb.passkey.com/go/nemsms. The booking link provides additional information about the hotel property. Attendees can also call toll-free 1-888-421-1442. When booking by phone, please reference “National EMS Memorial Service Annual Service.”
In August 2015, the three organizations agreed to collaborate on a shared vision and strategic plan to honor EMS heroes who have died in the line of duty. They are also moving forward with efforts to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in the greater Washington, D.C. area, an effort being led by the National EMS Memorial Foundation.
“We are pleased that the date and location are confirmed for the 2016 service and Weekend of Honor,” said Jana Williams, president of the National EMS Memorial Service. “We are excited to partner with these organizations and Hyatt to appropriately gather, pause and provide the tribute our EMS colleagues and their families so richly deserve.”
More updates about the National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride and the EMS Weekend of Honor will be forthcoming.