Blue Mass honors local police, firefighters & emergency reponders
The heroes among us are recognized each year at the Blue Mass ceremony.
The event, held again this year at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Indio, is a chance for the community and all denominations to come together and say thank you.
“We honor all our service men and women and give out awards and thank them for their service for our community,” said Father Alex Gamino.
The mass is a tradition that dates back to the 1930s. While today’s men and women of service face new challenges and dangers, the message behind the mass remains the same: those who devote their lives to serving and protecting others are deserving of our gratitude and respect.
“It means a great deal, I’ve been doing this for 22 years now and I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Cal Fire Captain John Clingingsmith, Jr.
A special prayer was dedicated to San Bernardino police officer Gabriel Garcia, Garcia was shot and critically wounded in the line of duty last month.
Garcia is said to be showing signs of improvement.
“It’s up to as a community and individuals to recognize that sacrifice,” said Michael Wilson, Mayor of Indio.
A bell rang near the end of the ceremony marking the “Last Alarm,” a somber reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice: the fallen heroes we will always remember.
“We have unique individuals that will run into a burning building, that will run into the line of fire and protect us, you and I as citizens in this great nation,” Wilson said. “So it’s important to remember them and honor them for that.”
