Memories of the World Trade Center collapsing, the Pentagon in flames, and a plane crashing into a field in Pennsylvania seem so fresh that it’s hard to believe the Sept. 11 attacks were a decade ago.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone was serving at a parish on Long Island that lost seven members in the attacks: three workers in the World Trade Center, two firefighters and two policemen.
“It was tough; a time of shock and concern,” Bishop Guglielmone said. “These were people who had little children, who were deeply involved in the life of the parish.
One was a religious education teacher, one of the policemen was teaching the confirmation class. It was very difficult to deal with all of that. You look back in a lot of ways, and realize these folks, especially the police and firefighters, were martyrs. So many of them lost their lives in an attempt to reach out and save people.”
The bishop acknowledges many people might still feel anger over the attacks, but urges them not to seek revenge.
“As Christians, we have to remember those who have given their lives live with the Lord … we should remember with pride those who gave so much, but also continue to pray for our enemies and an end to this senseless violence and terrorism,” he said.
A U.S. Senate resolution is calling everyone to commemorate the anniversary by ceasing all work or other activity. In response, churches, firehouses and other institutions will ring bells and sound sirens at 1 p.m. Sept. 11. Americans are asked to observe a moment of remembrance at that time.
The solemn anniversary will be observed through prayer, meditation and focus on 9/11’s victims, their families and the first responders who faced death and danger to save lives. Many Knights of Columbus units will participate in tribute events.
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Here are some observances at schools and parishes:
Bluffton:
- St. Gregory the Great Church, 333 Fording Island Road — Knights of Columbus will distribute American flags at all Masses Sept. 10—11.
Charleston:
- Bishop England High School — On Sept. 12, students will join in prayers and Mass, with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.
- Charleston Catholic School — Students will offer prayers for the victims and their families at 8 a.m. Sept. 12.
Columbia:
- Cardinal Newman School — Students will pray the rosary on Sept. 9.
- St. John Neumann Church, 100 Polo Road — Knights of Columbus Assembly 2902 will sponsor a “Blue Mass” at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 10 to honor all area police, firefighters, EMTs and EMS workers. A reception will follow.
- Students at St. Joseph School will write letters of thanks for their sacrifice and dedication to our country to U.S. military members. All letters will be collected by the teachers on Sept. 7 and mailed on Sept, 12 to various military units in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Florence:
- Annual Patriotic Parade, sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m., will feature Knights of Columbus Council 5194 and Assembly 1574 as marchers. The main parade route is along West Evans in downtown Florence.
Garden City:
- St. Michael Church, 542 Cypress Ave. — Father Ray Carlo will celebrate a tribute Mass on Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. Members of Knights of Columbus Council 8980 and Grand Strand Assembly 2107 honor guard will attend.
Georgetown and Pawleys Island:
- Knights of Columbus Assembly 3272 honor guard and color guard will participate in Masses on Sept. 10—11 at Precious Blood of Christ Church on Pawleys Island, and St. Mary Our Lady of Ransom and St. Cyprian churches in Georgetown. They will distribute a special World Day of Prayer for Peace holy card at all Masses.
- On Sept. 10 in Georgetown, Knights from Assembly 3272 and its two councils will join with members of the American Legion, VFW, Pawleys Island—Georgetown Elks Lodge and Lions Club in commemorating 9/11. Fire trucks will be stationed on bridges near the Intercoastal Waterway, American flags will be given to members of the community, and the Knights will stand at attention with emergency workers, firefighters, police officers and other local officials.
Greenville:
- Our Lady of the Rosary School will hold a memorial service on Sept. 9 at 2:15 p.m. Students will listen to an eye—witness’ account of the New York attack followed by a prayer service.
Hilton Head Island:
- St. Francis by the Sea Church will host a Sept. 11 memorial concert at 3 p.m. in the church auditorium, 45 Beach City Road, featuring The Festival Chorus and Orchestra and The Chancel Choir of Bethany United Methodist Church from Summerville. Admission is $20. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Purchase at St. Francis Thrift Shop, 6 Southwood Park Drive; Burkes Main Street Pharmacy, 1101 Main St.; or Pretty Papers & Gifts in the Village at Wexford.
Loris:
- Church of the Resurrection, 204 Heritage Road — A “Blue Mass” honoring police and firemen, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. Police and firefighters from Loris and Horry County are invited to attend.
Mount Pleasant:
- Christ Our King/Stella Maris School — Classes will hold a moment of silence between 8:46—10:28 a.m. on Sept.12.
- Knights of Columbus Assembly3243 will present the American flag to St. Benedict Church on Sept. 11
Myrtle Beach:
- Unity Memorial at Broadway at the Beach, 29th Avenue North — A memorial ceremony including members of Knights of Columbus Assembly 1799, with color and honor guard, will be held Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
North Augusta:
- Knights of Columbus will participate in a memorial service at 10 a.m. outside Our Lady of Peace Church, 854 Edgefield Road.
North Myrtle Beach:
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1100 Eighth Avenue North — A memorial Mass will be offered Sept. 11 at noon. A luncheon open to the public will follow. Both events are sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 7122.
- A 9/11 Memorial Tribute will be held Sept. 11 at 3 p.m. at the end of Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Knights of Columbus Assembly 2431 will participate. (843) 280-5555.
Seneca:
- Council 6884 and Assembly 1933 will participate in a memorial service on Sept. 11 after the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church around the flag pole.
Spartanburg:
- St. Paul the Apostle School will host a day of service on Sept. 10. Students and family members will help the school, parish, local community, and service men and women.
Summerville:
- St. John the Beloved, 28 Sumter Ave. — An ecumenical prayer service for peace will be held Sept. 11 at 3 p.m., with members of the Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and Presbyterian communities. All are welcome. Call (843) 873—0631.
Taylors:
- Knights of Columbus Council 9184 and Assembly 2502 will present the colors at the 10 a.m. Mass on Sept. 11 at Prince of Peace Church and have a moment of silence.