The public is invited to attend a Mass recognizing first responders on Saturday, Sept. 11 — the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Bishop Salvatore R. Matano will serve as celebrant for the liturgy, which is set to begin at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester.
During the liturgy, all first responders will be honored for their service to the community, particularly those who died or were injured in the events of Sept. 11, 2001 — the deadliest terrorist attacks in United States history. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including hundreds of first responders, most of whom were firefighters.
The attacks began at 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 11 was intentionally crashed by hijackers into the World Trade Center’s North Tower in New York City. At 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 was similarly crashed into the World Trade Center’s South Tower; that building collapsed at 9:59 a.m., and the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. And, at 10:02 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa.
