YOUR WEEKEND, YOUR PACE
Build a plan that leaves room to breathe.
Select more than one priority. The official public ceremonies stay protected; your optional time is matched around them.
THE WEEKEND FLOW
Four days, anchored by remembrance.
Official details are marked clearly. Optional plans can be skipped without affecting the Weekend of Honor.
NATIONAL EMS WEEKEND OF HONOR
Know what is public, formal, and family-only.
Event details below are based on the official 2026 Weekend of Honor overview. Recheck the official event site before leaving.

Wreath laying at the Tomb
Changing of the Guard at 11:00 a.m.; formal wreath laying at 11:15 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Security screening and photo ID may be required
- About 0.7 mile uphill from the Welcome Center
- Water and restrooms at the Welcome Center
Ride of Honor arrival
Welcome the riders and Moving Honors procession at the Hyatt, followed by the Tree of Life unveiling and dog-tag presentations.
Casual attire · Bikes expected around 4:00 p.m.
National EMS Memorial Service
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. The formal service begins promptly at 5:00 p.m.; the national moment of silence occurs during the service.
- Class A/department uniform, semi-formal, or business formal
- Eat or have a snack before the service
- Light reception follows
Closing ceremony
The family breakfast closes the official weekend and is reserved for honoree families, board members, Honor Guard, agency escorts, and donors.
The public guide keeps this visible for planning, but does not add it to a general visitor itinerary.
YOUR HOME BASE
Courtyard Arlington Crystal City
Your hotel is approximately 0.07 mile from the Hyatt Regency, the official Weekend of Honor venue. That keeps the key ceremonies, support spaces, and memorial displays just a very short walk away.
Arlington, VA 22202Weekend events: Hyatt Regency, 2799 Richmond HighwayPhoto: Marriott property gallery
MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE
Four routes from the host hotel.
Each starts with the easiest practical decision and includes a restroom or reset point.
CourtyardTombFRIDAY HONOR ROUTE
Courtyard → Arlington Cemetery
Use the Courtyard shuttle to the DCA Metro or walk to Crystal City Metro, take the Blue Line to Arlington Cemetery, clear security, then continue about 0.7 mile uphill.
🚻 Welcome Center + Memorial Amphitheater
Open live transit directions ↗
CourtyardWater ParkEASY RESET WALK
Crystal City Water Park
A flexible neighborhood walk for air, coffee, and a gentle reset without committing to downtown D.C.
🚻 Crystal City Shops or nearby cafés
Open walking directions ↗OPTIONAL D.C. WINDOW
Smithsonian + National Mall
Take the Courtyard shuttle to the DCA Metro, use the Yellow Line toward downtown, and choose only one museum or memorial zone.
🚻 Smithsonian museums during open hours
Open live transit directions ↗
CourtyardDCAARRIVAL + DEPARTURE
Reagan National Airport
The Courtyard shuttle operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and can also connect you to the DCA Metro station.
🚻 Courtyard lobby and airport terminals
Verify current shuttle ↗COFFEE WITH A PURPOSE
Good coffee near the moments that matter.
Independent and local options are grouped by the part of the weekend they fit best.
FUEL BETWEEN HONORS
Local food, clearly priced.
Price bands are planning estimates per person before tax and tip: $ up to $10 · $$ up to $20 · $$$ up to $30 · $$$$ $30+.
PERSONAL SPENDING
Every traveler gets their own view.
This prototype saves entries on this device. Add a traveler name to separate spending.
REVIEWS FROM THE WEEKEND
Record the experience while it is fresh.
Food, coffee, and hotel reviews use the same five-star system. Costs can be sent directly to the budget.
CAPTURED WITH RESPECT
Moments, not interruptions.
These prompts focus on atmosphere, gratitude, and place. Never photograph grieving families or private moments without clear permission.
QR & HELPFUL LINKS
Everything important, one tap away.
OPEN THE GUIDE ON YOUR PHONE
Scan for the D.C. EMS Memorial guide.
Open your phone camera, point it at the code, and tap the link that appears.
Open the guide directly ↗ Guide address: ems.port2paradise.com