This article originally appeared on wric.com
The Richmond Ambulance Authority hosted the National EMS Memorial Service Moving Honors Procession on Wednesday, paying tribute to emergency medical services and air medical providers who lost their lives while working throughout the U.S.
According to the authority, the procession travels across the country with the “Tree of Life” memorial carrying the names of those who have lost their lives.
Each year, the names of new honorees are added to the memorial.
A specially decorated ambulance showing the memorial stops in cities across the country allows residents to recognize and pay tribute to fallen EMS professionals.
This year, the procession honors 36 fallen EMS and air medical providers who lost their lives in 18 states throughout the U.S., according to the authority.
The procession began in Seattle, Wash. earlier in July and has visited several states on the way to Arlington.
On Thursday, July 18, the procession will arrive in Washington, D.C. where a ceremony will take place on congressional grounds before arriving at a ceremony in Arlington.
Over the weekend, which marks the National EMS Weekend of Honor, ceremonies and events will take place where people can pay their respects.
