This morning before the first mod, on a beautiful day similar to that of September 11, 2001, our community gathered on the front lawn of the school. Bishop John McCormack led us in a beautiful and poignant prayer after which Mr. Ray Clement and Mr. Eddie Poisson of our Facilities Department raised the school flag. During the the raising of the flag, the school chorus sung a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem. Following this, Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas led us in the pledge of allegiance.
The high point of the ceremony was when Bishop McCormack and Mayor Gatsas processed down to the granite Trinity sign and placed two 4x6 American flags on either side. Throughout the day, Trinity students and teachers would place 2,974 more flags in the ground- one for each of the victims of September 11. Megan Menard '13 then played "Taps" on her trumpet as Mr. Clement lowered the flag down to half mast.
During each of the mods, students came into Campus Ministry from their Theology classes to get about 7 flags each along with the names of 7 victims. They went outside and placed their flags into the ground and then gathered in the Saint Basil Chapel where they read the names aloud and prayed for each victim.
At 2:20pm, we gathered outside one final time where Mr. Mailloux put the final flag into the ground followed by the choir singing "Amazing Grace."
All of the students should be applauded for the graceful and solemn way in which they conducted themselves today. They prayerfully entered into the spirit of the day and did an amazing job honoring those who lost their lives on September 11.
You can see some pictures from the day on our Facebook page by clicking here.
May the souls of those who lost their lives on September 11, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Brian, This was a special way to recognize and remember our fellow countrymen and women who perished 10 years ago. Thank you for doing such a great job.
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