Cancellation of 2020 National EMS Weekend of Honor
Washington, D.C. (April 2, 2020) – The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR), the National EMS Memorial Foundation (NEMSMF) and the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) regret to announce that the 2020 National EMS Memorial Service and Weekend of Honor, scheduled for May 15-17 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, MD has been canceled in direct response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Organizers of the Weekend in concert with national experts and EMS constituents have been conferring in recent days. They balanced their commitment to provide a safe and healing environment for all who attend with continued mandatory travel and mass gathering restrictions as well as recognition of the many participants who remain on the front lines of the COVID-19 response in their decision to cancel.
With the utmost respect to this year’s honorees and all who support and attend the Weekend of Honor, priorities remain focused on the duty of first responders to continue active response to this unprecedented situation. However, we are collaboratively working on alternative options for honoring our colleagues. The weekend traditionally includes a series of events that honor all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers from air and ground who serve in the US, but especially those who become ill or have been injured related to their duty, and culminates with the formal Service to specifically honor in the highest degree, those who have died in the line-of-duty.
Brian Shaw, NEMSMBR president states “while we are disappointed to have to cancel planned rides, we are refocused on creating a virtual Ride befitting our honorees. We will continue to shine a light on the sacrifices those in EMS make. More details will be posted on our website as they become available.”
This year’s National EMS Memorial Service was to pay tribute to 24 EMS providers who died in the line-of-duty and was set to coincide with the beginning of the 46th annual National EMS Week. Jana Williams, NEMSMS president conveyed, “I don’t know that there has ever been a more defining time to recognize the service and sacrifice of those in EMS as there is right now. The valor and tenacity of all who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response commands deep respect. While the priority must remain on this incident for now, the fallen will not be forgotten. We still plan to host this year’s National EMS Moment of Silence on Saturday May 16 at 6:00 pm EDT. Additionally, we will pay tribute to the 2020 honorees at next year’s Service, ensuring they receive the full national recognition they deserve.” The list of 2020 honorees and information on the National Moment of Silence will be posted to the NEMSMS website.
Katie Orsino, NEMSMF executive director shared “We support our partners at the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride and the National EMS Memorial Service as they were forced to make heartbreaking decisions to alter planned events this year. The response to COVID-19 we are seeing from first responders across our country, however, is nothing short of heroic. It only reinforces our resolve to bring a permanent EMS memorial to the nation’s capital to honor their commitment, service and sacrifice. We will not waiver in our efforts to ensure it becomes reality.” Updates on the progress of this effort can be found on their website.
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NEMSMBR Announces Unfortunate 2020 Route Cancellations
Mechanicsburg, PA (March 28, 2020; Updated May 7, 2020) – In direct response to recent mandatory travel and mass gathering restrictions in the United States, and in recognition of our NEMSMBR participants who are actively on the front lines of the global COVID-19 response, the Board of Directors of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride announces the following:
- 2020 East Coast Route has been canceled.
- 2020 Southern Route has been canceled.
- 2020 Midwest Route has been canceled.
- 2020 Colorado Route has been canceled.
The Board of Directors and Route Coordinators will continue to monitor the feasibility of the 2020 West Coast Route and remain dedicated to planning alternate cycling events in line with the NEMSMBR mission if and when conditions become favorable.
This decision did not come in haste from our Board of Directors, in fact, included the most passionate, emotional and engaged discussion in the history of our organization. Just like you, we are dedicated to our Mission, Vision and Values and were so excited to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride on East Coast, Southern and Midwest Routes.
The NEMSMBR leadership is proud to announce that it is planning a new Virtual Route which will allow participation in a new event that protects social distancing practices. More information about the Virtual Route will be released as soon as possible.
A plan for refund and registration transfer is currently being developed for those who have already registered for the canceled routes and/or ordered merchandise. Registered participants will receive individualized instructions in the coming weeks.
It is important to note that we are continuing to work with the National EMS Memorial Service, National EMS Memorial Foundation and Air Medical Memorial to support rescheduling and alternative plans to our cherished respective memorial events.
As a currently registered 2020 participant, we wanted you to receive this information before it is circulated to the general public. We would ask you to refrain from posting information about these cancellations until you see the official corporate posts early next week.
You will receive a direct notice when the refund and transfer plan has been formulated. Please be patient as our operations team members, as you, are currently working on the front lines in their respective communities.
Mission
Through long distance bicycling events we honor the service and commitment of EMS Professionals
Vision
To reduce illness, injury and mortality through recognition and promotion of physical and mental well being
Core Values
- Semper Memoria: We always remember.
- Wellness: We encourage health living through physical, emotional, social and spiritual fitness.
- Awareness: We acknowledge the inherent risks faced by our industry professionals.
- Advocacy: We support efforts to reduce illness and injury through peer support and camaraderie.
- Honor: We respect all Emergency Medical Service Professionals, their commitment to EMS, their families and their communities.
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Official Routes Announced for 2020 NEMSMBR Season
Mechanicsburg, PA (October 16, 2019) – The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride will have five event offerings in 2020. The non-profit organization plans events that offer memorial celebrations of EMS personnel during long-distance cycling treks each year. Of particular importance and excitement, NEMSMBR will be celebrating 20 years of individuals cycling with this purpose during the 2020 routes and is planning for its largest number of participants. Individuals can join the routes for any combination of full days of the various events, but the most popular option is to participate either as cyclist or support personnel for all the days of a particular route.
Registration is expected to open in January, and will be announced through the following: email to previous participants; website advertisement; social media blast; EMS publications and listservs.
The dates and locations of the events will be:
East Coast Route
Boston, MA to National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD)
Coordinated with the National EMS Memorial Service
May 9-15, 2020
Southern Route
Raleigh-Durham, NC to National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD)
Coordinated with the National EMS Memorial Service
May 11-15, 2020
Midwest Route
St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
June 22-27, 2020
Colorado Route
Snowmass, CO to Littleton, CO
July 20-24, 2020
West Coast Route
Reno, NV to San Francisco, CA
September 21-26, 2020
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