Say Their Names Marathon 2026
It is said that a person has two deaths – the day they leave this Earth and the day their name is said for the last time. At the Virginia War Memorial one part of our mission is to remember and honor our veterans. The walls of our Shrine hold the names of close to 12,000 Virginians who have given the ultimate sacrifice since the beginning of World War II.
Every day we share some of the names and their stories but that’s never enough. So last year, for the very first time ever, every name, in the order in which they are inscribed on our walls, was said aloud. Every name. It was a herculean task, that could not have happened without volunteers from the community reading lists of fifty (50) names in 3-minute time slots. The first name was read at 12:45 pm and the last name was read at 12:27 am – almost 12 hours. It was a momentous, touching, emotional and humbling experience to everyone that participated. It impacted so many that we are to ‘Say Their Names’ again this year.
So, we are asking for volunteers to sign up to read just fifty (50) names within 3 minutes, beginning on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Reading slots are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis so make sure that you register today!
Things to know:
- Registration is ONLINE ONLY.
- Registrants can sign up for two time slots, but they must be in succession.
- Readers are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to their read time, as fifteen (15) minutes prior to the read, readers will be seated within the Shrine.
- Readers will receive their list of fifty (50) names upon check-in on May 24, 2026.
- Due to time constraints, we ask that you read only the names given.
- 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 is available in the Virginia War Memorial surface lot and in parking deck.
We are asking for registrants to arrive and check-in at least forty-five (45) minutes prior to the time slot that was chosen to read. Fifteen (15) minutes prior to the allotted read time, readers will be seated inside the Shrine.
We hope to see you May 24, 2026, for an unbelievable and memorable event, as we ‘Say Their Names’.
We look forward to seeing you at ‘Say Their Names’ Marathon 2026!
A Special Thanks to our Media Partner:
