Celebrating the 2025 Volunteers of the Year on the National Mall
CELEBRATING THE 2025 Volunteers of the Year on the National Mall
The Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service welcomed volunteers and National Park Rangers to celebrate the 2025 achievements of the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program, and to look ahead to new initiatives celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
Each year, the Trust and the National Park Service (NPS) recognize individuals, corporations and groups for outstanding service to restore and enrich the National Mall. The award ceremony, overlooking the National Mall, celebrated excellence in volunteer service and the Volunteers-In-Parks program that helps NPS rangers welcome and guide guests on America’s Front Yard. Trust partner GE Aerospace was named as Volunteer Group of the Year in recognition of their “Mall Hands On Deck” day of service on the National Mall.
Led by the Trust and the NPS, the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP)—a corps of 300 dedicated individuals—play a vital role in helping park rangers bring the National Mall to life for the millions who visit each year. VIP volunteers help welcome visitors at sites including built or restored by the Trust like the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center and the Lockkeeper’s House. Our expert volunteers greet visitors and help them connect to history, and also serve host to veterans, servicemembers and their loved ones at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial.
“All of you give your time, your energy, and your passion to ensure that the memorials, monuments, and all the spaces in between remain places of reverence, learning, and connection. Your dedication and service alongside NPS rangers makes the National Mall not just a collection of landmarks, but a living, breathing experience for the millions who visit each year. You bring the National Mall to life for visitors from around the world. Thank you. ” — Catherine Townsend, President and CEO
During the ceremony, the Trust and NPS spotlighted their special expanded MALLSTAR initiative inspiring volunteers to serve 250 hours of service in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary. Companies and organizations can get involved in 2026 with special “Mall Hands on Deck” days of service. Learn more at nationalmall250.org/mallstar.
The March 17, 2026 ceremony honored the following individuals and teams for their service in 2025:
Volunteer Group of the Year Award - GE Aerospace, for an October 2025 day of service
New Volunteer Award - David W., serving 149 hours at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Youth Volunteer Award - Bobby D., serving 241 hours at the Korean War Veterans Memorial
Volunteer Program Partner Award - University of Maryland, Terps for Change Program
Individual Volunteer Award - Mary C., serving 465 hours at the Stables Education Center
Enduring Service Award - George K., celebrating nearly 20 years of service
During the ceremony, the Trust and NPS spotlighted their special expanded MALLSTAR initiative inspiring volunteers to serve 250 hours of service in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary. Companies and organizations can get involved in 2026 with special “Mall Hands on Deck” days of service. Learn more at nationalmall250.org/mallstar.
