 “The Ultimate Sacrifice” NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 8, 2009 Contact: Kevin Agard, Public Information Officer Voice: 201-203-3203 - Fax: 201-935-4831 E-mail: pio@nemsms.org Web: http://press.nemsms.org National EMS Memorial Service announces 12th Annual National Moment of Silence Oilville, Virginia - The National EMS Memorial Service today announced plans for the 12th Annual National Moment of Silence, to be observed on Saturday, May 23, 2009, coinciding with the National EMS Memorial Service to be conducted in Roanoke, Virginia. The National Moment of Silence offers EMS providers and agencies around the nation the opportunity to join with those in attendance at the National EMS Memorial Service in honoring and remembering those members of our nation's Emergency Medical Services who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the line of duty.
The National Moment of Silence seeks voluntary participation by all the nation's EMS providers, agencies and emergency communications centers in observing a moment of radio silence timed to coincide with the moment of silence observed during the actual service held annually in Roanoke. In previous years, the "Moments" have seen the participation of over 700 agencies and dispatch centers from around the United States. The Committee has prepared a "Suggested Script" and instructions for those agencies wishing to participate. This information is appended to the release.
The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1992, been honoring those EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. This year, at a Service to be held at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, members of the honorees' families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. Flag which has flown over the Nation's Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a White Rose, symbolizing their undying love.
Each honoree's name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the "Tree of Life," the permanent memorial to our honorees.
### National Moment of Silence Participant Information Sheet
The National EMS Memorial Service Board is coordinating a National Moment of Silence to be observed in concurrence with the moment of silence observed during National EMS Memorial Service held each year in Roanoke, Virginia. This year the Moment will be held observed on Saturday, May 23, 2009.
This project provides an opportunity for those who can not be in attendance in Roanoke to honor and remember those members of our profession who have given their lives in the line of duty.
All EMS and communications agencies wishing to participate are requested to observe 60 seconds* of radio silence on May 23th at the times indicated in the suggested script below.
ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME! Please adjust as required for your time zone.
[NOTE: Please time the transmission of any alert/activation tones required by your radio system to allow you to begin speaking at the time indicated below.]
To give us an idea of participation levels, we request that agencies planning to participate in this project send us the following information: Agency name, City & State. [In the case of a multi-agency communications center, please list the EMS agencies under your jurisdiction.] Please send this information on a postcard to:
National Moment of Silence
or via email to: NMOS@NEMSMS.ORG
* While 60 seconds is the "suggested" duration, it is understood that some busier jurisdictions may be unable to comply. Please feel free to adjust the duration according to the needs of your agency. |