26 Fallen Heroes Honored at 2006 National EMS Memorial Service
ROANOKE, Va. - All wore different uniforms. Some were volunteers, others were paid. And, all 26 died serving their communities.
The EMS providers who gave the ultimate sacrifice were honored during a solemn ceremony this past weekend in Roanoke, the home of the nation's first life-saving crew.
The 14th annual National EMS Memorial Service attracted families and EMS personnel from around the country. They brought ambulances, rescue squads and other vehicles bearing the logo of their departments.
Family members held hands or looked for a comforting arm as they emerged from vehicles to the sound of bag pipes. Drawn by the distinct music, local residents stood off to the side in silence.
"Your loved one is receiving the highest honor our EMS system can bestow," Richmond EMS Director Gary Brown said.
Whether it's a flood, a horrible crash, a fire, a hurricane or terrorist attack, Brown said America's EMS crews are ready to accept the challenge, despite the risk.
The senior director of operations of STAT Medevac promised that the sacrifices of the pre-hospital care providers will never be forgotten nor will their survivors.
Douglas Garretson said crews go about their duties with bravery and strength. "But compassion is their single most coveted asset... They witness life without a filter.
He said no words can express his gratitude for their resolve to carry on amid the chaos and despite the outcome. Garretson said he's certain that the heroes honored died believing in what they did.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte, (R-VA) echoed that sentiment: "Courage, honor and loyalty - these are the threads of the American fabric. These are the things from which true leaders are made. And, these are the qualities that the fallen men and women of our Emergency Medical Services so nobly exemplify."
In 1998, Goodlatte introduced legislation that officially recognized the Roanoke service as the country's National EMS Memorial Service.
The Congressman also thanked the EMS providers who are ready to answer the call.
"...Our citizens, joined by a common desire to keep their communities free from harm, have formed first aid crews, beginning with the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew. Since then, generations of American heroes have answered the Clarion call to service with matchless valor and determination. They put aside their hopes and dreams to protect our hopes and dreams. They laid their lives on the line to protect our lives and the lives of people across this nation."
As each fallen hero's name was called, their families or colleagues were escorted to the sanctuary. Their loved one's picture was displayed on a wide screen in the background as they were presented with an American flag and a white rose, symbolizing undying love. A bronze medallion was placed around the neck of one of the recipients.
The medals, which hung from red, white and blue ribbons, were inscribed with the person's name. The other side featured an oak leaf, a symbol of strength, valor and solid character, and the words: "'For those who gave that others might live' National EMS Memorial."
At 8 p.m., the ceremony paused as tones were heard through the church's speakers. The dispatcher announced that it was a national moment of silence to honor the men and women in EMS who had given the ultimate gift.
The crowd of several thousand walked out of the church to face a sea of blue stretching more than a half block. The sounds of approaching helicopters drew stronger, and some wiped away tears as the two passed over in an aerial salute. They returned again for a second time, and as they faded into the twilight, there was an eerie quiet on the downtown Roanoke street.
History of the National EMS Memorial Service
The National EMS Memorial Service was started 15 years ago by the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads Inc. "I wondered why police and firefighters have a separate service honoring their fallen. But there was nothing for EMS," said Kevin L. Dillard, chairman of the board.
While some in the organization figured it would be a few years before things got underway, Dillard said his group held a memorial service that very next year. Six heroes were honored. Since then, 308 have been remembered.
The 12-member board is all volunteer. They have no office or paid staff, and they rely soley on donations. They receive no grants, and sell shirts, hats and other items to help offset expenses for the memorial weekend.
The board has a special fund to pay for the families' lodging in Roanoke, and Dillard said they depend on donations to keep it going.
"One day we would love to have a permanent, outside memorial," Dillard said, adding that his board is dedicated to its mission to honor the families of EMS providers.
The heroes' names are engraved on a brass oak leaf, and placed on a large tree that used to stand in the "To the Rescue" museum. This year, however, they were placed on a display board of plywood draped with blue cloths.
The museum, operated by the Julien Stanley Wise Foundation, lost its lease in a local shopping center a few months ago. As they look for a permanent home, the artifacts are being kept in two large trailers, said Sue Taylor, museum curator.
Wise started the nation's first life-saving crew in 1928 after becoming distressed over incidents including the drowning of two youths in the Roanoke River.
