Say Their Names Marathon 2025
On February 29, 1956, the Virginia War Memorial became the Commonwealth’s keeper of the names of the Virginians who have been killed in action since the beginning of WWII to present day. And as long as the names of our fallen are spoken, they will not be forgotten nor will their sacrifice.
So, this Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, every one of the close to 12,000 names of Virginians who gave the ultimate sacrifice, will be spoken. Following the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day ceremony, including the laying of memorial wreaths, we will begin to read the names as they are listed on the walls of our Shrines of Memory – beginning with World War II and Accomack County and not stopping until the last name in our Shrine of Memory: Global War on Terror is read.
This is where we need the help of our Virginia War Memorial community! We are asking the public to sign up to read fifty (50) names at a time from the walls, until all have been read. We’re figuring it will take approximately 12 hours.
Things to know:
- Registration is ONLINE ONLY.
- Registrants can sign up for two time slots, but they must be in succession.
- Readers will receive their list of 50 names upon check-in on May 26, 2025.
- Readers are to be middle school age and older.
- Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Only those that are registered will be allowed to read – there are NO WALK-UPS.
- No pets are allowed.
- This is a Rain or Shine event.
- Free event.
- Free parking available in Memorial surface lot and in parking deck.
Due to time constraints, we ask that you read only the names given.
We are asking for registrants to arrive and check-in at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the time slot that was chosen to read. As this is a timed event and life happens, registrants should be prepared to be at the Virginia War Memorial around 90 minutes.
We hope to see you May 26, 2025, for an unbelievable and memorial event, ‘Say Their Names’.
To register for your time to ‘Say Their Names’ click here
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