2022 IN MEMORY INDUCTION CEREMONY INFORMATION:
(Updated 05/19/2022– 11:30 am EST)
Father’s Day Rose Remembrance sponsorship is now open.
To learn more and to sponsor a rose click below.
Sponsor a Rose
VVMF provides press releases so that families and friends can alert their local media about their loved one being honored through In Memory. To access the 2022 press releases and for more information click below.
Press ReleasesThe 2022 In Memory honoree shirt sale is now closed.
As a reminder, here is how it works:
- Shirt orders needed to be placed, through our vendor Custom Ink, before 05/18/2022.
- Shirts are produced and shipped after the order window ends on 05/18/2022.
- Watch your email for a shipping notice/tracking link that will come from Custom Ink after the order closes.
- The estimated delivery window for the shirts will be around the first week of June.
We do not carry a stock of these shirts and we will not be able to accommodate late orders.
The 2022 In Memory Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2022 – Father’s Day weekend.
2022 Weekend Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 17, 2022:
Event: In Memory Welcome Dinner
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Host Hotel – Marriott Crystal Gateway – 1700 Richmond Highway Arlington, VA 22202
This optional dinner allows In Memory families a chance to meet other families with similar stories and ask any last-minute questions to VVMF staff. There is a cost for this dinner and seating is limited.
Transportation: If you are not staying at the host hotel you can still purchase tickets and attend the In Memory Welcome Dinner, but you will have to provide your own transportation to and from the dinner.
THE IN MEMORY WELCOME DINNER TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT. NO ADDITIONAL TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE. TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD THE NIGHT OF THE DINNER.
Saturday, June 18, 2022:
Event: In Memory 2022 Induction Ceremony
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST ceremony begins
Location: East Knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
A touching ceremony where each 2022 honoree’s name is read aloud. If you are present, you may read the name. If you are unable to attend a volunteer will read your loved one’s name. The event will be livestreamed on VVMF’s Facebook page and website. You can watch last years ceremony here.
Transportation: VVMF provides buses to and from the host hotel and ceremony site. If you plan to use the VVMF provided buses to and from the ceremony you should have indicated this when you RSVP’d for the ceremony. If you have questions about your bus RSVP please email us at [email protected]
The RSVP for the 2022 Induction Ceremony is now closed.
If you have questions about your RSVP or need to update it please email us at [email protected]
Sunday, June 19, 2022:
Event: Father’s Day Rose Remembrance
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST
Location: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Roses will be laid around the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site to honor fathers on The Wall, those who never had the chance to become fathers and those fathers who returned home and later died. In Memory families will be offered an opportunity to sponsor a rose in honor of their loved one. If you are in attendance you will be able to lay the rose(s) at the Memorial site. If you are not in attendance a volunteer will lay the rose(s) on your behalf. Please note this is an activity where those in attendance come and go so this is not something that will be available to watch online.
Sponsor a rose for Father’s Day by click here.
Transportation: VVMF provides buses to and from the host hotel and the Memorial site. If you plan to use the VVMF provided buses for the Father’s Day Rose Remembrance activity you should have indicated this when you RSVP’d for the ceremony. If you have questions about your bus RSVP please email us at [email protected]
VVMF has created informational videos to help guide you through your trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2022 In Memory Induction Ceremony.
The 2021 In Memory Induction Ceremony can be watched here. This is an edited video of the full ceremony, so the length is not an accurate representation of how long the ceremony will be. The 2021 ceremony was approximately 3 hours long and we honored 361 veterans. We are honoring 513 in 2022.
The In Memory Ceremony What to Expect video can be watched here. This is a short video that gives an overview on what to expect the day of the ceremony, what to bring with you, what to say on stage, etc.
The In Memory Quick Travel Guide video can be watched here. This is a short video that gives an overview on traveling to the Washington, D.C. area.
You can also review our travel and ceremony FAQ’s by scrolling down further on this page.
In Memory 2022 HOST HOTEL
Marriott Crystal Gateway
1700 Richmond Highway Arlington, VA 22202
We are aware that the hotel room block is currently sold out for both Thursday and Friday nights. We are working with the host hotel to add additional rooms, but at this time we are not able to. Please see below for other hotels in the area.
A block of rooms has been reserved for June 15, 2022 – June 20, 2022. The special room rate of $159 for a Standard King/Double plus tax will be available until May 27, 2022 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.
Please note: In previous years the room block sold out quickly. We suggest booking your rooms as soon as you can. Also, the host hotel is the only location that the VVMF provided buses will pick up and drop off on both Saturday and Sunday.
Make a Reservation
The quickest and easiest way to make a reservation is online, but if you need to call to make a reservation please call 1-800-393-3680 and make sure to know the hotel name (Crystal Gateway Marriott), hotel address (1700 Richmond Highway Arlington, VA 22202), and group name (VVMF In Memory Week Room Block).
ADDITIONAL HOTELS
Due to the overwhelming response and number of honorees for the 2022 In Memory Induction ceremony, the host hotel is currently sold out on Thursday and Friday. However, cancellations will occur and we encourage you to continue to check the provided links for openings.
Listed below are other hotels in the Crystal City area that are recommended for your stay in Washington, D.C. Please note that we do not have discounted rates/room blocks at these hotels but we encourage you to check for all discounts that you may be eligible for including Senior/AARP rates, AAA rates, etc.
Please note: The buses provided by VVMF on Saturday and Sunday only pick up and drop off at the host hotel. You are still welcome to use the buses if you stay at a different hotel, but you will have to find your own way to the pick up point at the host hotel.
The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport
Embassy Suites Crystal City/National Airport
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/wascres-embassy-suites-crystal-city-national-airport/
Hampton Inn & Suites/Reagan National Airport
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/wasrrhx-hampton-suites-arlington-crystal-city-dca/
Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
Crowne Plaza Crystal City
Where is the closest airport?
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 15 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.
Alternative airports: Dulles International (IAD) is approximately 45 minutes from Washington, D.C and Baltimore Washington International (BWI) is approximately 1 hour from Washington, D.C.
Can I take Amtrak?
Washington, DC (WAS) Union Station is about 20 minutes from The Wall. We recommend that you utilize the metro or a taxi. Union Station has its own stop on the Metro.
Does VVMF provide transportation to and from the induction ceremony?
Yes, VVMF provides buses to and from the host hotel and induction ceremony site. Attendees will be asked to RSVP for these buses to ensure VVMF rents enough for everyone wishing to utilize them. If you are not staying at the host hotel you may still take the VVMF provided buses to and from the induction ceremony site, but you will have to provide your own transportation to and from the host hotel. The RSVP is open until May 16, 2022 – click here.
Is there parking available at the induction ceremony?
Parking is very limited and we do not recommend attendees drive to the induction ceremony. Parking along Constitution Avenue and many of the streets around the National Mall is paid/metered parking with a time limit and fills up quickly.
What is the closest Metro stop to the induction ceremony?
Foggy Bottom/George Washington University, blue, orange and silver line, is the closest stop – turn right at the top of the stairs and walk south on 23rd Street about six blocks (approximately 1 mile) and that will bring you right to the Memorial.
Can I take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft to the induction ceremony?
If you are trying to take a taxi/Uber/Lyft to get there, the address that a visitor should use is: Constitution Ave NW & 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20245.
When is the 2022 Induction Ceremony?
The 2022 In Memory Induction Ceremony will be Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Will VVMF pay for or arrange my travel to Washington, D.C.?
While we hope all family members can attend, VVMF cannot pay for or arrange your travel to Washington, D.C. We do provide bus transportation from the host hotel to and from the ceremony. Host hotel information is located above.
How is the In Memory program/ceremony funded?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization that is supported by private donors, like you. Your donations make it possible for us to maintain this program so critical to our efforts to promote healing and education, to hold the ceremony annually and to continue honoring many more veterans’ service and sacrifice. Please consider making a donation and support the In Memory program.
How long is the induction ceremony?
The In Memory Induction Ceremony length depends on how many veterans are being honored each year. In 2021 we honored 361 veterans and the ceremony lasted about three hours. In 2022 we will be honoring 514 veterans.
Will there be seating at the induction ceremony?
Yes, seating is provided for the ceremony. Attendees were asked to RSVP to ensure we arrange for the proper number of chairs. The RSVP was open until May 16, 2022. If you have questions about your RSVP please email us at [email protected]
How far is it from the bus drop-off to the induction ceremony location?
The buses drop off about 500 feet from the ceremony.
How far away are the bathrooms?
The closest bathrooms are about 300 feet from the ceremony location.
Will there be wheelchairs available?
Although we do not provide wheelchairs, the ceremony area is typically wheelchair accessible. The ceremony is held on the grassy area and can be somewhat difficult to maneuver – especially if the ground is wet.
What is the dress code?
There is no specific dress code. Past participant attire has ranged from casual dress to church dress. We recommend that you dress for the weather. The ceremony will be held rain or shine. Should it rain, the area can become muddy. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes that are not easily damaged.
It can be very hot and humid during the ceremony as it takes place in the open grass near the Memorial and there is there limited shade. We recommend that you bring at least one bottle of water for each member of your party. Hats and sunscreen are also strongly encouraged.
Will I be reading my honorees name at the induction ceremony?
Yes, you have the opportunity to read your loved one’s name during the ceremony. Our Master of Ceremonies will indicate when the reading of the names will begin. When you are at the microphone, please read your loved one’s name only. You may add their relationship to you, for example, “my husband, John Doe.” Out of respect to other families, please refrain from making additional remarks. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, a volunteer will take your honoree’s tribute to the stage and read your honoree’s name. You will be sent the personal tribute certificate and one yearbook.
What is the personal tribute certificate?
The personal tribute certificate is a 8.5″ x 11″ certificate created by VVMF that contains the honoree’s name, photos, date of birth, date of death, and branch of service.
What do I do with the personal tribute certificate?
The personal tribute certificate is yours to take home as a lasting keepsake.
Will there be a photographer?
Yes, VVMF provides a professional photographer at the ceremony. The photos will be available (about one week after the ceremony) for purchase on our website. Last year’s photos can be seen here. You will also be able to purchase additional copies of the personal tribute certificate after the ceremony.
Will this event be televised?
At this time it is not planned to have the induction ceremony televised, although we do plan to live stream the induction ceremony on our Facebook page. Please like our page to ensure you will be notified of the livestream and to stay up to date on the In Memory program.
I have seen T-shirts with honoree names on them. How do I get one?
Each year VVMF hosts a limited time sales campaign to purchase shirts that list the names of all honorees for that year. All accepted applicants will be emailed when the shirt sale is happening and will have the opportunity to purchase. Proceeds from these sales go directly towards the cost of hosting the In Memory weekend of events. The 2022 honoree shirts were on sale until May 18, 2022. We cannot accommodate late orders for this sale.
In 2022, as part of VVMF’s 40th anniversary commemoration of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we are holding the first ever in-person In Memory Honor Roll Call. This will be a full reading of the more than 5,000 In Memory honorees inducted from 1993-2021. Traditionally, this reading happens each year virtually before the ceremony to induct new honorees. This will be the first time the In Memory Honor Roll Call will be in-person, in Washington, D.C.
For more information on the In Memory Honor Roll Call for past inductees click here.
Please note the names of the 2022 In Memory honorees will not be read at this event. We want the families of the 2022 honorees to be the first to read their names at the 2022 In Memory Induction Ceremony on Saturday, June 18th.
For information on the 2022 In Memory Induction Ceremony please click here.