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In Memory Weekend Information

2024 Inductees

YOUR IN MEMORY TO-DO’S:

  ☐  Book your Accommodations: See our Travel FAQ’s for tips on booking your accommodations.
  ☐  Keep family and loved ones in the know: Please forward the names and email addresses of any family/friends we should keep in the know on In Memory ceremony updates to [email protected].
  ☐  Add us to your email service’s Address Book, Contact List, or Safe Senders List: Doing so will help ensure that important email updates regarding the In Memory Ceremony don’t land in your Spam folder. See here for instructions.
  ☐  2024 families looking to purchase Welcome Dinner tickets, RSVP for the In Memory Ceremony, or sponsor Father’s Day roses should note that they will be able to do so on April 15th at 1 PM EST. An email will be sent to 2024 In Memory families at that time. We highly recommend marking your calendars or setting a reminder for April 15th at 1 PM EST. While we do not limit the number of guests you can bring to the In Memory Ceremony, nor the number of roses you can sponsor for the Father’s Day Rose Remembrance, the number of seats available at the optional Welcome Dinner is limited and tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend purchasing your ticket(s) immediately once they’re made available.

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In Memory 2024 Inductee

Weekend Schedule

Arrive in Washington, DC

    • The closest airport to the ceremony site is Reagan National Airport. Many neighboring hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service, so you can be picked up right from Reagan National Airport and driven back to your hotel.

Friday, June 14: Welcome Dinner

    • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott
      • Seating is limited and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning April 15th. 
      • Seating is banquet-style, so please understand that you may be seated with other families, especially if your party is on the smaller side.
      • We highly recommend Welcome Dinner attendees purchase all tickets for their party under one purchaser. We will do everything we can to ensure you and your group are seated together at the dinner. Should members of your group purchase tickets separately, however, they may be seated separately from you at the dinner. We recommend that you coordinate with your family, friends, and loved ones now, and designate one member of your party to purchase Welcome Dinner tickets for the group when they are made available for purchase on April 15th at 1PM EST.

Saturday, June 15: In Memory Ceremony

    • 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Shuttle Service from Crystal Gateway Marriott to Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
      • There is no cost to utilize the bus to the Ceremony. However, your RSVP is required (RSVP form will be sent out on April 15th).
      • Join us at the front entrance of the host hotel to utilize a complimentary bus service to the ceremony site. If you are staying at another hotel nearby, you can meet us at the Host Hotel to utilize the shuttle buses, even if you are not staying there.
      • Wheelchair and scooter users may use accessible shuttle vans.
      • Once you arrive at the ceremony site, VVMF staff will direct you to the check-in tent where you will collect your materials and receive instructions for the ceremony.
    • 10 AM – ?? PM: In Memory Ceremony
      • There is no cost to attend the Ceremony. However, your RSVP is required (RSVP form will be sent out on April 15th).
      • As the ceremony consists of the name-reading of the new inductees, the length of ceremony depends on how long it will take participants to read those names.
    • ?? PM – ?? PM: Shuttle Service to Crystal Gateway Marriott
      • A complimentary shuttle bus will transport In Memory families back to the Crystal Gateway Marriott from the ceremony site following the conclusion of the ceremony.

Sunday, June 16: Father’s Day Rose Remembrance

    • 9:30 AM: Shuttle Service to Rose Remembrance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Begins
      • There is no cost to utilize the bus to the Rose Remembrance. However, your RSVP is required (RSVP form will be sent out on April 15th).
      • Join us at the front entrance of the Crystal Gateway Marriott to utilize a complimentary bus service to the rose remembrance site. If you are staying at another hotel nearby, you can meet us at the Crystal Gateway Marriott to utilize the shuttle buses, even if you are not staying there.
      • Shuttle buses continue to make trips back and forth from the Host Hotel to the ceremony site.
      • You will be able to sponsor a Father’s Day Rose beginning on April 15th. Instructions on how to sponsor roses can be found here at that time.
    • 10 AM – 12 PM: Rose Remembrance

      • Those looking to lay rose(s) at the Rose Remembrance must sponsor their rose(s) ahead of time. Rose sponsorship form will be sent out on April 15th.

      • You may pick up your sponsored rose(s), along with any personalized messages, from VVMF staff at any time between 10 AM and 12 PM.

      • As the Rose Remembrance is an informal activity, families can plan to come and go anytime between 10 AM and 12 PM. The average In Memory family spends about 20 – 30 minutes at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for the Rose Remembrance.

    • 11:30 AM: Shuttle Service to Rose Remembrance from the Host Hotel Ends.
      • Anyone attending the Father’s Day Rose Remembrance should note that the final shuttle to the Rose Remembrance will depart the host hotel at 11:30 AM.
    • 12 PM: Shuttle Service Returning to Host Hotel from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ends.
      • Anyone attending the Father’s Day Rose Remembrance should note that the final shuttle back to the host hotel will depart the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 12 PM.

Have a safe trip home. Thank you for joining us for the 2024 In Memory Ceremony.

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In Memory 2024 Inductee

Travel Frequently Asked Questions

Watch the In Memory Quick Travel Guide

Where should I stay?
We recommend staying in or near the Crystal Gateway Marriott, as that is our headquarters for the weekend. There are several hotels directly neighboring the Crystal Gateway Marriott, which we have listed below. In Memory families will have access to a complimentary bus service from the Crystal Gateway Marriott to the In Memory Ceremony on Saturday, and the Rose Remembrance on Sunday. Additionally, the Friday night Welcome Dinner will be held in the Crystal Gateway Marriott.

    • Crystal Gateway Marriott: the site of the Friday Welcome Dinner, and the pickup point for the complimentary bus service to the Saturday In Memory Ceremony and the Sunday Father’s Day Rose Remembrance. Check on the availability within our limited discounted block of rooms here, or see rooms available at the full room rate here.
    • The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport : A 3 minute walk from the Crystal Gateway Marriott, allowing your family ease of access to the Friday Welcome Dinner as well as the complimentary bus service offered by VVMF that will transport In Memory families from the Crystal Gateway Marriott to and from the In Memory Ceremony and Father’s Day Rose Remembrance. This hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from Reagan National Airport (DCA). See link for more details.
    • Hampton Inn & Suites/Reagan National Airport : A 5 minute walk from the Crystal Gateway Marriott, allowing your family ease of access to the Friday Welcome Dinner as well as the complimentary bus service offered by VVMF that will transport In Memory families from the Crystal Gateway Marriott to and from the In Memory Ceremony and Father’s Day Rose Remembrance. This hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from Reagan National Airport (DCA). See link for more details.
    • Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport : A 7 minute walk from the Crystal Gateway Marriott, allowing your family ease of access to the Friday Welcome Dinner as well as the complimentary bus service offered by VVMF that will transport In Memory families from the Crystal Gateway Marriott to and from the In Memory Ceremony and Father’s Day Rose Remembrance. This hotel offers complimentary shuttle service from Reagan National Airport (DCA). See link for more details.

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 will open closer to the 2024 ceremony date.

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.

I plan to take a longer trip so that I can explore the area. What is there to do and see?

We leave you to plan your itinerary for the weekend, and don’t have formal recommendations for things to do – but we are happy to provide some ideas for your trip based on popular experiences with past attendees.
Please note that our knowledge on the following opportunities is limited, and those interested in learning more should follow up with the respective organization providing each opportunity. 
Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its surrounding memorials and monuments, as well as visiting Arlington National Cemetery, are the two most popular things to do with In Memory families:
  • National Mall and Memorial Parks: A group of memorials and monuments within sight of and virtually steps away from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
  • Arlington National Cemetery: The final resting place for over 400,000 service members, and home to monuments, memorials, and dedicated trees such as the Gold Star Mothers Memorial Tree, the Nurses Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial Tree, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Those staying at the Crystal Gateway Marriott or a neighboring hotel are just one “Metro” stop away from Arlington National Cemetery. Those interested in taking a tram tour can purchase tickets here.
In Memory families have also enjoyed the following experiences, which may not be as easily accessible as the two listed above, but are popular things to do nonetheless:
  • The Tidal Basin: A scenic, waterfront, 2 mile walk that takes you right past the FDR Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. The Tidal Basin is about a 20 minute walk from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and about a 25 minute walk from the nearest Metro stop, so those interested in a visit here should be aware that it requires extensive walking and a bit more planning to fit it into your weekend plans.
  • The White House: Those interested in a White House tour should note that they must request a tour by contacting their Member of Congress. That being said, even those who don’t request tours still enjoy walking by the building and snapping photos.
  • Smithsonian Museums: Metro-accessible and free of charge to enter. Currently, you can walk right up to the American History, Natural History, and American Indian museums and be admitted without a ticket or reservation, but for a select few museums like the African American History and Air and Space museums, you need to reserve a ticket. The tickets are still free, those two museums are just receiving a lot of visitors right now and need to keep the number of visitors manageable.
  • Memorials and museums in Arlington, VA dedicated to service: Arlington, VA, home of Arlington National Cemetery, also houses the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard Memorials, as well as the Army and Marine Corps Museums. Unlike the clusters of memorials, monuments, and museums in Washington, DC, the memorials in Arlington, VA are distanced from one another, meaning the quickest and easiest way to access them would be via car.
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon: The historic home of the first president lies about 15 miles south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A bit off the beaten path, the Mount Vernon estate would require use of the bus system, or a rented car, taxi, or rideshare app like Uber/Lyft/etc. to visit.
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In Memory 2024 Inductee

Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions

Watch the 2023 In Memory Ceremony Watch the What to Expect Video  

When is the 2024 Induction Ceremony?

The 2024 In Memory Induction Ceremony will be Saturday, June 15, 2024.

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 will be announced in early 2024.

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 2023 we honored 566 veterans and the ceremony lasted about three hours.

Will there be seating at the induction ceremony?

Yes, seating is provided for the ceremony for all those who RSVP.  Attendees will be asked to RSVP via email in spring 2024.

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. The applicant will be sent the personal tribute certificate, In Memory lapel pin, and one yearbook after the ceremony.

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, photo(s), 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.

I didn’t attend the ceremony in-person, do I still get a tribute certificate?

We will send any tribute certificate not picked up at the ceremony to the applicant of that certificate’s honoree in the months following the ceremony. Any additional family members, friends, and loved ones may purchase additional tribute certificates here.

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 website and Facebook page.  If you are watching on Facebook, please like our page to ensure you will be notified of the livestream and to stay up to date on the In Memory program. You can always watch past induction ceremonies that we were able to tape here.

Can I access photos from the ceremony?

Photos from the professional photographers can be purchased here.

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.

Where can I purchase additional In Memory items?

In Memory yearbooks, pins, as well as other In Memory memorabilia will be available for purchase following the ceremony on our online store.

Can past participants attend the 2024 ceremony?

Each year we invite past participants to the annual In Memory ceremony to again read their honoree’s name aloud.   We do ask past participants to complete an RSVP form indicating their plans to attend. An invite and RSVP form will be sent to all past participants from 1993-2023 via email in April 2024.

Ceremony Site Map:

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