By Laura French
WASHINGTON — The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR), the National EMS Memorial Foundation (NEMSMF), and the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) have announced the 2020 National EMS Moment of Silence will be observed on May 16.
The memorial event will begin at 6 p.m. EDT with a live-streamed reading of the names of the 24 honorees originally planned for the 2020 National EMS Memorial Service, followed by an acknowledgment of those continuing to serve today, and will culminate in a national moment of silence in a salute to all.
Organizers are seeking broad participation in the Moment of Silence during “unprecedented times for our world, our nation, and the collective first responder communities,” according to the NEMSMS announcement.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of life including efforts by our organizations who remain dedicated to honoring EMS personnel for their service and especially for those who have died in the line of duty,” NEMSMS President Jana Williams said in a statement. “While this ruthless virus keeps us physically apart, we can still join together to make sure our fallen and their families receive the acknowledgment they deserve.”
The Moment of Silence normally coincides with the annual National EMS Memorial Service, which was postponed until next year due to COVID-19 precautions.
“With deep respect for the honorees and first responders who remain on the front lines, the National EMS Moment of Silence takes on greater importance as a meaningful reminder that the fallen will not be forgotten. It is a touchless, responsible, yet impactful means to pause and remember without taking away from the necessary work at hand,” Williams stated.
The memorial event will be live-streamed on the NEMSMS Facebook page. Organizers encouraged participants to use the hashtags #moment2honor and #ultimatesacrifice to share the event on social media.
First responders, communications agencies and members of the public wishing to participate are requested to observe 10-20 seconds of radio or general silence at the time indicated in the suggested script, shown in the document below: