Bridgeport, Conn., Sep 10, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The Catholic community of the Diocese of Bridgeport gathered to pray for those who died five years ago in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and to honor those who assisted after the attack.
"We honor and pray for first-responders and those who serve in such special and courageous ways," said Bishop William Lori, who presided at the Mass held Sunday at St. Augustine Cathedral.
More than 100 uniformed police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians attended the “Blue” Mass, co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and held every year since the terrorist attacks, reported The Associated Press.
Bishop Lori also received a cross fashioned from a piece of steel found in the ruins of the World Trade Center, along with a police officer's hat, a firefighter's helmet and an emergency medical technician's stethoscope.
Bridgeport Fire Lt. Frank Falanga, who went to New York to help in the aftermath of the attacks, told the AP he remembers how New Yorkers pulled together and welcomed everyone who came to help.
Police officers and firefighters stood at attention and others placed hands over their hearts while the national anthem was sung during the moving memorial.