By Ryan Blessing
A perfect backdrop of sunny skies, a light breeze and singing birds provided a tranquil setting May 27 at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Norwich for the annual Memorial Day Mass, which honors the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., concelebrated Mass, along with priests of the Norwich Deanery, at the cemetery's outdoor altar, before a large statue of Jesus Christ.
"As a nation, we honor our military men and women who have given their lives in service to our great country, not only in past wars, but also the brave women and men who have and continue to lay down their lives in distant countries," the Bishop said. "In this sacred place, we offer Mass with the intentions of all those brave men and women of our military who have died for our country, for us and our freedoms."
At the end of the Mass, a trumpeter played "Taps," the traditional music to honor fallen soldiers. Then, those in attendance sang "America the Beautiful."
Masses also were celebrated at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Taftville, Saint Mary Cemetery in New London, and Saint Patrick Cemetery in Montville.