As the Seventh Anniversary of the horrific attacks on our nation that occurred on September 11, 2001 approaches, the Parish Family of St. Martin de Porres and the Knights of Columbus Council # 8048 invite you to join us as we honor all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on that terrible day in our history at our Third Annual Memorial Blue Mass. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach. The Blue Mass refers to the blue uniforms worn by so many public safety personnel. It is meant to honor those who daily protect and serve us. At the Mass, we will remember law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency rescue personnel who have fallen in the line of duty and pray for the safety of all officers.

Our tribute will begin at 10:30 AM with a Solemn Video and Poetry Presentation which will include Posting of Colors by Honor/Color Guards of Police, Fire and Military Personnel. Bishop Barbarito will celebrate the Solemn Blue Mass at 11:00 AM. Immediately following Mass, we will proceed to a designated area outdoors for a performance of a patriotic medley by the award-winning Jensen Beach High School Marching Band, the traditional "21 Gun Salute" and "Taps". After the tribute, all participants are invited to our Parish Activity Center for a luncheon and a performance by the acclaimed Jensen Beach High School Choir, "Jubilate".

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church is proud to offer the St. Martin the Charitable Scholarship to a child of a Martin County Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter or Emergency Recue First Responder who will be attending a post-secondary educational institution. Children of New York City emergency personnel who took part in the September 11th rescue efforts are also eligible. The applicant must be a senior graduating from a local high school and will be judged on academic achievement, community service and financial need. The scholarship is funded by the offering taken up at our Blue Mass. Last year we were able to award a $500 scholarship to Angela Daidone from Jensen Beach High School and Brittany Weir from Martin County High School. Brittany's dad was a NYC firefighter who lost his battle with leukemia on December 24, 2006 and Angela's was a NYC police officer. Both Angela and Brittany are dedicated students who have made significant contributions to their school and to their community.

This year, the Parish Family of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church is collaborating with the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Martin County and Martin County Fire Rescue with a month long tribute to the fallen. We are humbled and proud to participate in this effort ensuring "We will never forget". Information regarding the events of this tribute can be found at www.martincountyremembers911.com.

Firefighters, police officers and EMT's in Martin County as well as from across the state have been invited to attend along with federal, state and local elected officials. All members of our community are invited to prayerfully join together in remembrance of those who lost their lives on that dreadful day as we continue to pray for peace, protection from evil, and for the men and women who give in service each day in defense of freedom.