The Memorial Service Weekend

The National EMS Memorial Service is not a single event but rather encompasses a number of events spanning three days, all centered around and leading up to the Saturday evening ceremony known as "the National EMS Memorial Service."

The weekend officially begins at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with the opening of the Memorial Service's Registration Area the commencement of "check-ins" at the Hotel Roanoke. Family members, agency members, dignitaries, honor guards, and other attendees arrive, check in, register and get settled in before the first major event of the weekend. . . .

Just before 5:00 pm on Friday those who have already arrived in town gather in the North Courtyard of the Hotel to welcome the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride as it arrives in town after a 6 day, 600 mile trek from New York. And beginning in 2007, the New York leg will be meeting up with another group of intrepid pedalers who began their ride in Kentucky!

Following the Bike Ride's arrival, the Board of Directors hosts a dinner to recognize the large number of volunteers who work so hard during the days and weeks, and indeed, the entire year leading up the weekend to make each and every Memorial Service event a success.

Friday evening is free time for attendees and many use this period to take in the sites, sounds and cuisines of Roanoke's Downtown. Later in the evening many of those not availing themselves of the local night life, gravitate toward "the Patio" of the Hotel Roanoke's Pine Room Pub for an informal "Meet & Greet." While this event is not an official function, it has become something of a tradition for attendees over the years and we have discovered that it is a great way for family, agency members and other attendees to get to know one another in an informal setting. If only the hotel staff would get over their objections to people playing the bagpipes at 1 am. . . .

Saturday morning brings a number of activities. Registration reopens at 9:00 am and rehearsals begin with the honor guards up first. Also, in another first for 2007, the EMS Memorial Bike Ride participants will be hosting a breakfast for the honoree's families at 10:00 am at the hotel .

The final event leading up to Saturday evening's Memorial Service is the 1:00 pm Program Rehearsal at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke. This is the rehearsal for all program participants, including those family members who will be accepting the honors and agency members who will be serving as usher/escorts. Immediately following the rehearsal, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians will be sponsoring a light luncheon for program participants.

Seating for the Service begins at 6:00 pm and the National EMS Memorial Service itself begins at 7:00 pm. Immediately following the Service the National EMS Memorial Service Board of Directors hosts a reception for all attendees.

After the reception there is another informal gathering in the Pine Room which provides a casual setting in which to decompress from the day's event.

Sunday morning is our annual Family Breakfast. This is a ticketed event open only to family and friends of our honroees, and to invited guests. Breakfast service begins at 7:30 am and the program commences at 8:00 am and ends at 10:00 am, which brings the weekend to a close for most attendees.

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the National EMS Memorial Service is held immedately following the family Breakfast. Any person having business to bring before the Board should plan to be on hand between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm Sunday.