The Vermont State Council of the Knights of Columbus proudly celebrated its 2026 Anchor Award Dinner honoring Gilles Berard, Past Grand Knight, Most Holy Trinity Council 7763, Orleans, Vermont, on Saturday, September 12, at The Dancing Sail Banquet Room in Newport. Hosted by Most Holy Trinity Council 7763, the event was held on a beautiful sunny evening and brought together more than 100 family, friends from Florida, Connecticut and Canada, and Brother Knights from councils throughout Vermont.

Honoree Gilles Berard enjoyed a social hour, providing his guests with the opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the accomplishments of the evening’s honoree. Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner and fellowship before the formal program commenced.

Master of Ceremony George Piette, Grand Knight, Fr. Meany-Fr. St. Onge Council 7943, Troy, Vermont, opened the evening’s program with the presentation of the colors by members of the Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard led by District Master Normand Raymond, Bishop James A. Healy Province – Vermont Jurisdiction, and the singing of the National Anthem by Ms. Madeline Roy.  Piette than explained the presence of the “Missing Knights Table” and its significance in honoring the 46 members of the Knights of Columbus Order who lost their lives as a result of the tragic events of 9-11-2001 with a presentation of a Memorial Wreath by State Deputy Bill and Michelle LaCroix followed by a moment of silence and the playing of TAPS. He then provided the history and significance of the Anchor Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Vermont State Council.

Following his remarks, Grand Knight Kurt Muller, Most Holy Trinity Council 7763, Orleans, addressed the gathering and offered a heartfelt tribute to Gilles Berard. Muller highlighted Berard’s more than 50 years of dedicated and faithful service to the Knights of Columbus, the Church, and the community. He described Berard as someone committed to improving the lives of others and advancing the common good. Muller noted that Berard served as Grand Knight from 2018 through 2024, is a Sir Knight of the Fourth Degree, and has devoted countless hours to charitable, civic, and parish activities. He characterized Berard as a quiet leader who consistently steps forward when needed and leads by example.

State Deputy Bill LaCroix of Burlington, the chief executive officer of the Vermont Knights of Columbus, then presented the Anchor Award to Berard. In his remarks, LaCroix praised Berard’s unwavering commitment to the Order and credited him with helping sustain and strengthen his local council through both challenging and prosperous times. He highlighted Berard’s leadership in membership recruitment and retention, fundraising efforts, participation in the March for Life, the Coats for Kids program, Christmas outreach as Santa Claus for local families, and numerous other charitable initiatives that have benefited both the Church and the wider community.

Upon accepting the award, Berard expressed his sincere gratitude and humility for receiving Vermont’s highest Knights of Columbus honor. Reflecting on his decades of service, he shared lessons learned throughout his journey as a Knight, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and tenacity. He recalled the challenges and rewards of helping rebuild and strengthen his council and encouraged others to remain committed to serving their communities and faith.

The evening concluded with a benediction led by State Chaplain Fr. Timothy Naples of South Burlington. The Fourth-Degree Color Corps then retired the colors, and Madeline Roy led attendees in a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.” Guests remained afterward to take photographs with Berard and continue celebrating the occasion through fellowship and conversation.

The Vermont State Council extends its congratulations and gratitude to Gilles Berard for his extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service. His lifelong commitment to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism exemplifies the very best of the Knights of Columbus and serves as an inspiration to all.  We would also like to thank NEK-TV for filming this beautiful ceremony.

This article has been posted by Vermont Catholic for the the Vermont State Council of the Knights of Columbus.