NVRH Invites Community to Annual Service of Remembrance

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (September 28, 2022) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) invites members of the community to attend the annual Memorial Service at the Remembrance Bench in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Monday, October 10 at 1 p.m. This service is for anyone who has experienced the death of a baby or child, or supported someone who has.

“Each October, during Safe Sleep & Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness month, members of NVRH staff and volunteers gather to remember and honor babies who did not survive. NVRH staff also volunteer time each fall to spruce up the Remembrance Bench so that those who visit have a place of respite that is beautiful and has been cared for,” shared NVRH Director of Birth Center Services Laura Emery.

All who would like to attend the Memorial Service at Remembrance Bench are welcome. The Remembrance Bench serves as a quiet place for family and friends to gather together, rest and remember their babies. For those unable to attend and have experienced the loss of a child, or love someone who has, we hold space for you and your loved one during the ceremony.

The service will be short and informal and will be held regardless of inclement weather. NVRH Interfaith Chaplain Abby Pollender will lead the service. NVRH Volunteers Julie Sturm and Dianne Lavigne will provide instrumental music for the service.

“We want to support parents and family members in honoring the memories and love of their children by providing words of comfort and care,” expressed Pollender.

For more information, please call 802-748-7473.