Celebrating Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, we remember and honor those who served and continue to serve our country in the Armed Services. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, on the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Armistice Day became a national holiday, and after WWII, it was extended to honor all veterans. The first Veterans Day celebration was held in 1945.
Message from Bishop James Ruggieri
I would like to offer a special thank you to all our veterans on this occasion. Obviously, we are grateful for you and your service to our country every day of the year, but Veterans Day affords us as a nation a time to stop and reflect on your service and sacrifices made for our nation and our world. May we never take for granted the opportunities and gifts we are afforded to live in this blessed country. Also, may we never forget the supreme sacrifices made by so many in service to our nation. Please, let us also take a moment to pray for all our men and women on active duty in the various branches of the military. May God keep them safe. May God bless all our veterans in a special way today and may our dearly departed veterans rest in peace.
Prayer for Veterans Day
Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope, and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love, and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen. (USCCB)
Parish Celebrations
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland
All veterans are invited to wear their uniforms to the 12:15 p.m. Mass on Veterans' Day. There will be a blessing of the veterans at the end of the Mass, which will be celebrated in the chapel of the cathedral, located at 307 Congress Street in Portland.
Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville
Faith formation students from Corpus Christi Parish and students from Mount Merici Academy are invited to dress as saints and march in the Waterville Veterans' Day Parade on Monday, November 11. Students should mee at The Elm at 10:40 a.m. FYI: [email protected].
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town
Any veteran or their family member is invited to bring a memento of their service to be displayed for Veterans' Day in the connector at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town. Mass on Veterans' Day will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at Holy Family Church.
St, Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook
In honor of all veterans across the three churches of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, members of the three councils of the Knights of Columbus would like to invite parish veterans and their significant others to join them at a reception to be held at the Maine Military Museum, 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland on Sunday, November 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A light buffet and tour of the museum will be offered. Please RSVP Bill Cassidy at [email protected] or 207-214-2086 by Wednesday, November 8.
St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent
Veterans will be honored during the Sunday, November 10, 9 a.m. Mass at St. Louis Church, 26 East Main Street in Fort Kent. If you are a veteran and planning on attending the Mass, please call Richard at 207-231-4309.
St. Matthew Parish, Limerick
The Armed Forces Outreach Group of St. Matthew Parish in Limerick will hold a Veterans Day Prayer Service and Breakfast on Monday, November 11, at 9 a.m. at the church on 19 Dora Lane in Limerick. Please sign up with the group prior to that.
A Veterans’ Day Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 11, at 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick. During the Mass, the list of veterans’ names that were enrolled in a book will be placed on the altar.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
Veterans will be recognized during the Sunday, November 10, 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John Church, 207 York Street in Bangor. All veterans are invited to attend the Mass in uniform and to receive a special blessing.
