The National EMS Memorial Service

The National EMS Memorial Service is a nondenominational ceremony held each year to honor those men and women of America's EMS systems who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

During the ceremony family members, friends, coworkers, EMS and political leaders, and colleagues from EMS agencies from around the nation come together to remember their loved ones and colleagues.

Seating for family members begins approximately one hour before the start of the program. Attendees are greeted by members of EMS honor guards, representing agencies from across America, "standing post" at the entrances to the church.

Typically, the Program progresses as follows:

Presentation of the Colors (Honor Guard & Pipes and Drums Corps.)
The honor guards and pipers enter the church bearing a U.S. flag and the flags of the home states of each honoree. The flags are placed to the right and left of the podium.
Music (EMS Regimental Pipes and Drums Corps)
National Anthem (Guest Vocalist)
Introduction (Master of Ceremonies)
A National Moment of Silence
Attendees, along with EMS agencies around the country, observe a moment of silence in remembrance of all EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Welcoming Remarks (President, National EMS Memorial Service Board of Directors)
Opening Remarks (Guest Speaker)
Song (Guest Vocalist)
Keynote Address (Guest Speaker)
Song (Guest Vocalist)
Presentations to Families (Reader of the Names & Presenters)
As each honoree's name is read, their photo is displayed on a large screen behind and above the reader and presenters and family members are escorted to the stage to receive the presentation. Each family is presented with three items:


• A U.S. flag that has flown over the Nation's Capitol - denoting the honoree's service to their country.
• A white rose - representing their undying love.
• A medallion - signifying their eternal memory.

At the conclusion of each presentation the honoree, in the person of the family member receiving the U.S. Flag, is saluted and the family is then escorted back to their seats.
Tribute Video
Attendees view a video presentation specifically prepared in remembrance of that year's honorees.
Song (Guest Vocalist)
Closing Remarks (Guest Speaker)
"God Bless America" (Guest Vocalist)
Retire the Colors (Honor Guards & Pipes and Drums Corps)
At the conclusion of the program, the Honor Guard returns to "Retire the Colors" and lead the procession in exiting the church.
Taps (EMS Bugler)
Flyover (Air Medical Agencies)
After exiting the church, all uniformed attendees form an Honor Line outside while other attendees gather to watch as aircraft representing local air-medical agencies pass overhead.
Directors' Reception
Immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony and flyover, the National EMS Memorial Service Board of Directors hosts a reception for all attendees.