By Laura Grisham
WALLS – Patriots Day is a significant moment to reflect on the values of service, unity and sacrifice. It commemorates the lives lost and the heroism displayed during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. More than a remembrance of loss, Patriots Day reminds us of the resilience and courage shown by everyday people – firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, and ordinary citizens who responded selflessly in the face of unimaginable danger.
Last week, our schools celebrated first responders. Sacred Heart School extended an invitation to the school’s weekly Mass to Southaven Police, Fire and EMT staff, as well as the parents and family of students who are first responders, for a special blessing. Father David Szatkowski, SCJ, who is a volunteer chaplain for the Southaven Police Department and a Mississippi Area Representative to the International Conference of Police Chaplains, was the celebrant.
About his service as a volunteer chaplain, Father David said, “I support officers emotionally and spiritually. I also assist with death notifications, prayer and other support as requested.”
Father David is also involved in recruiting new chaplains, encouraging law enforcement agencies to have chaplains, and facilitating the training of chaplains through the International Conference of Police Chaplains.
Holy Family School also celebrated Patriot Day by inviting the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the Holly Springs Police and Fire Department to a prayer service and breakfast in their honor. Father Guy Blair, SCJ, offered a special prayer of thanks and extended a special blessing on those in attendance.
Each guest was invited to introduce themselves, share where and in what capacity they serve and how long they have been in service to the community. Some of the first responders attended Holy Family or were the sons or daughters of our graduates, each proudly announcing that distinction. Many of the guests also had words of encouragement for our students, emphasizing their support and extending their friendship to the young people.
Michael Holmes, a five-year veteran of the Holly Springs Fire Department, shared the ultimate commitment of each of the first responders. “I just want to thank you all for everything you are doing for us and I want you all to remember that just as those (police and) firefighters laid down their lives of protect people in New York, that we, here at the Holly Springs Fire Department, would do the same for each of you.”
Addressing the students and guests, teacher Lisa Milan shared that often these first responders go unnoticed for their hard work and heroism. Referencing Matthew’s Gospel, she reminded students, “Jesus said that one who wants to be the greatest is not the one with the biggest house, is not the one with the most expensive car, but the one who is the greatest among you is the one who serves others.”
Holy Family students wrote poems, created patriotic artwork and wrote notes of support for all of the law enforcement, fire and EMT attendees. Following the prayer service, the special guests lined up across the gymnasium as every child in the school presented them with their handmade masterpieces. The gesture brought several to tears.
Service on Patriots Day goes beyond just honoring those who served that day; it’s a call to action for all of us to serve our communities in big and small ways. Whether through volunteer work, supporting veterans, or simply helping a neighbor, every act of service strengthens the fabric of our community, our nation, and our world. It’s about standing together and building a future where unity and compassion prevail over division and fear.
(Laura Grisham is the PR and Communications manager for Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, Mississippi.)