"Blue Mass"
Council: 1423 - No. WHITEFIELD
Project Description:
Septenber 11, 2001, for this generation, wil be their “Day of Infamy”. It spawned the motto, “We Will Never Forget.” Today, 21 years later, this event needs to be reiterated, since we now have an entire generation which was born AFTER the horrific events which affected New York City, Alexandria, VA (the Pentagon), Shanksville, PA, as well as countless lives of individuals and families, Nation- and World-wide.
The year after this event, a nation-wide effort to remember, and “Never Forget”, established the Blue Mass, to be celebrated in proximity to September 11th, to honor the service, memory, and sacrifices of the innumerable “First Responders” (the Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Services providers, the Military and Security personnel) who worked untold hours during the catastrophy, and its subsequent clean-up operations, at the three sites. Many of those First Responders who survived are now suffering secondary effects (disease, illnesses, cancers, and PTSD) as a result of their exposure and efforts.
A Combined State Color Guard posted the Colos befor the procession. The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard escorted the Clergy. This Mass was celebrated by His Excellency, Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, Bishop of Portland. The readings were offered by members of the local Fire departments. The Proclamation of the Gospel was offered by Reverend Deacon (Brother Sir Knight) Jeffrey Lewis, of St. Michael Parish (Chaplain of Gardiner Fire Department).
The non-partisan supportive atmosphere was illustrated by the presence of Gov. Janet Mills, Sen. Susan Collins, along with (Brother Knight) Bruce Poliquin, and Paul and Anne LePage, who all sat as a group.
Following the Mass, the Bishop hosted a Reception on the Western Lawn of the Cathedral.
Hits: 0
