The annual Firefighter Memorial commemoration will take place Sunday, June 12 in Bristol to honor all firefighter and rescue personnel who have passed away throughout the years.

The day starts at 11:30 a.m. with mass at St. Mary’s Church, where the Rhode Island Highlanders Pipe Band will perform Amazing Grace. Participants will then gather Church and High Streets for 1:00 p.m. to begin a parade, which will march north along High Street to Franklin Street, to Hope Street, to Church Street, and then west on Church Street into Firefighter Park, where memorial services will begin.

Services will be provided by members of the local clergy, local and state officials, and guest speakers. There will be a reading of the deceased members from the past year, laying of wreaths by the Hydraulion, Dreadnaught, Defiance, Ever Ready, Division of EMS and the ladies Auxiliary. During the ceremony, the Victoria “Vicki” Van Voast Memorial Award will be issued to someone who defines the true meaning and spirit of a volunteer.

The General Chairman of the event this year is John Cairrao, of Dreadnaught. The committee consists of 1st Vice Chairman is David Benevides, of Defiance; 2nd Vice Chairman, James Russo, of Ever Ready; 3rd Vice Chairman, Richard Renshausen, EMS; 4th Vice Chairman, Robert Martin, Hydraulion; Secretary/Treasurer, Paul Vollaro Sr.; and the chaplain, Robert Holt.