Notre Dame Honors First Responders

The students attending Notre Dame College Prep were between four and eight years old during the carnage of 9/11, so many are too young to remember it.

Still, they stood and raised their outstretched arms to bless the first responders who had assembled Friday morning for the school's annual Mass to honor these public servants. The Mass, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the attacks, also honored the terrorists' victims.

Earlier:

A variety of first responders, including many officers from the Niles police and fire departments, attended, along with  representatives from the Chicago police and fire departments,  Lincolnwood and Norridge police departments and the North Maine fire protection district, among others.  Those paying tribute also included such Niles officials as Mayor Robert Callero and village trustees Louella Preston and Chris Hanusiak.

Several moments underscored the solemnity of the occasion, as when a bell was tolled to recognize those who sacrificed their lives to help others, and when first responders were invited to come up and receive blessed medallions. A presentation by the Niles Police Department color guard opened the ceremony.

Notre Dame President Rev. John Smyth and Executive President Rev. Raymond Klees celebrated the Mass. During the homily, Klees discussed 9/11 and noted that current students were in preschool through second grade at the time of the attack. He called upon those present to keep the sacrifices of their fellow citizens alive in their memories.

In addressing the guests of honor, Klees commented that they should fight cynicism, trust each other, and “never forget our high regard, our sincere appreciation or our profound affection for you.  We love you. Amen.”

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