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Too many lives which held so much promise have been lost to drugs. Too many families and friends have suffered these losses, and our world is less rich because the flame of talent was extinguished long before its promise burned bright. There are the children who are now gone: the athlete, the actress, the budding singer, the little brother or sister. The young adult looking forward to the promise life held. And there are the families, the parents and siblings, grandparents, cousins. They feel the loss each day. And the friends, whose memories include the ones who have been lost, and their promise. The families and friends who have suffered the loss of promise tell us that if it happened to them, it can happen to anyone. Drug use and its attendant tragedies have touched so many Americans from all walks of life, from all backgrounds. Over the years, parents and friends have found ways to remember their loved ones, but until now, there has not been a national event which brings so many people together to call attention to the extent and nature of the drug problem. Eight families who have personally suffered the loss of a loved one because of drugs have joined together to plan a remembrance for those who are gone, and to illuminate how pervasive and dangerous drugs are. They hope that no other family ever experiences this kind of loss again. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Partnership for a Drug Free America support this effort and have joined these parents to raise awareness about the terrible toll that drugs take on families, friends and society. |
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Please join us on June 8, 2006 for the first annual Vigil for Lost Promise: Remembering Those Who Have Died From Drugs.
Registration is required for all attendees. Tickets will be mailed to those who have registered for the event. In keeping with the security policy of the Drug Enforcement Administration, no one without a ticket will be permitted to participate in the vigil. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the courtyard of DEA Headquarters. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Attendees should arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. to ensure entry into the event. No parking will be available at DEA Headquarters for vigil participants. However, there is ample paid parking in the immediate vicinity, including parking at the Pentagon City Fashion Centre which is across the street from DEA Headquarters. The Pentagon City Metro stop is also one block from the event. |
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As part of the Vigil for Lost Promise, a Memorial Wall will be established for parents, siblings and friends to post a photo and brief story. Even if you are not able to attend the vigil, you are invited to email a photo and story to us for inclusion in the wall. The email address is: vigilforlostpromise@gmail.com. The wall will become part of DEA's traveling exhibit Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause. |
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You should allow ample time to attend this event. Security measures will be in place to assure the security and safety of all those who attend. Avoid bringing coolers, backpacks, bottles, etc. that would require additional screening procedures. Banners and placards are not permitted. Please do not bring literature to distribute to other participants at the vigil. The vigil site is handicapped accessible and sign language interpreters will be available. Please continue to check this website regarding the event and security related issues. |
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Headquarters is located at Lincoln Place, 700 Army Navy Drive in Arlington, Virginia. DEA Headquarters is located directly across the street from the Pentagon City Mall at the corner of Army Navy Drive and Hayes Street. DEA Headquarters is also easily accessible from the Pentagon City Metro Station, one block south of the Museum on Hayes Street. Street parking in the area is limited. Paid parking is available at the Pentagon City Mall parking garage.
For travel, hotels, restaurants and related info:
Hotels in the general vicinity of DEA Headquarters, Lincoln Place, 600-700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, include, but are not limited to:
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