Blue Mass - May 1, 2011
cathedral of st. joseph

Click on photo to see slides.

In the words of Archbishop Henry J. Mansell:

"The Blue Mass enables us to have an opportunity to recognize the contributions of our police, fire, and other safety personnel. As we recognize them for their dedicated service we also pause to remember those who have given their lives in service to our communities. This celebration today provides a meaningful way to recognize the unsung heroes and heroines of our day. Commitment to service is profoundly ingrained into the lives of our police, fire, and other safety personnel, who, day in and day out, put your lives on the line for us.

"This year we gather to remember with special reverence those personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty this past year: Firefighter Michel Baik, Trooper First Class Kenneth Ray Hall, Officer Donald Hassiak, Captin Kevin Swan, Sergeant Orville Smith, Jr., and Lieutenant Steven Velasquez. We express our reverence and sentiments of esteem for them and their families for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our communities."

During the Mass, the Archbishop presented a candle to the families of the six men who had given their lives in the line of duty this past year. The candles were inscribed with the name of the hero who died in service to his community.