A Mass of Remembrance was held at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier Friday, September 21st with the Most Reverend Kenneth A. Angell, Bishop of Burlington, presiding.

The Memorial Mass afforded all Vermont Fire, Police, EMS, and Public Safety Personnel an opportunity to honor and remember their Brothers and Sisters who were killed and injured in the New York City and Washington D.C. disasters. An overflow crowd of these public servants and their families filled St. Augustine Church.

Several Vermont elected officials attended, including Governor Howard Dean, Lt. Governor Douglas Racine, and Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle. A representation of priests from thoughout the state also were present.

A collection was taken during the Mass to be sent to the families of those NYPD and FDNY families who have lost a loved one.

A "Remembrance March" of Vermont's finest and bravest servants began from the steps of the Vermont State Capitol at 11:00AM and proceeded to St. Augustine's Church. Hundreds of Montpelier residents lined the streets and waved from windows in appreciation of these men and women who Bishop Angell honored in his homily, proclaiming: "America is recognizing its true heroes at last. This church is filled with them. You are our heroes. You, our men and women in blue, you are the" finest." You, our firefighters, you are our heroes, you are the "bravest." You, our EMTs and rescue workers, you are our heroes, you are the "best."