Honored to take part in 9/11 ceremony at Auburn Central Fire Station with some local heroes. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/rUQJwV3idC

— Paul R. LePage (@Governor_LePage) September 11, 2014

The Republican governor is delivering remarks at a remembrance ceremony at the Central Fire Station in Auburn on Thursday morning. Ann LePage is attending an event in Freeport.

LePage has ordered that state of Maine flags fly at half-staff and has proclaimed Thursday a “Day of Service and Remembrance. He’s encouraging people to participate in service activities to pay tribute to the people and communities impacted by the terrorist attacks.

LePage says it is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks as well as the soldiers, military families and first responders who continue to serve their country today.

AUBURN — Gov. Paul R. LePage will pay tribute Thursday to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the ensuing conflicts, by attending a remembrance ceremony in Auburn.

LePage will speak at a ceremony that begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Auburn Fire Department’s Central Fire Station on Minot Avenue. First Lady Ann LePage will attend a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of West and Main streets in Freeport.

In Lewiston, firefighters will hold a brief 9/11 ceremony at the Lewiston Fire Department’s Central Fire Station. Fire Chief Paul LeClair said it will begin at 9:58 a.m. with a moment of silence with bells.

All available personnel will assemble at attention in front of the flag pole. The flag will be flown at half-mast. The chaplain will recite the firefighter’s prayer and a wreath will be placed in remembrance of those who lost their lives. The public is welcome, LeClair said.

Also in Auburn, the Walton Elementary School community will hold a 9/11 assembly and ceremony, scheduled for 8:45 a.m. around the school’s flag pole.

In a news release Wednesday, LePage said the day will be to honor “the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service and honor those who continue to serve our country today, including veterans, soldiers, military families and first responders.”

LePage is proclaiming Sept. 11, 2014, as a “Day of Service and Remembrance” and for highlighting opportunities to serve in communities throughout the state to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

At 10 a.m. Sunday there’ll be a Catholic “Blue Mass” at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Ash Street, Lewiston. People from all faiths are invited.

The Blue Mass honors police and other public safety workers for their “tremendous and noble work, including those who have given their lives in the line of duty preserving law and order,” Maine Catholic Bishop Robert Deeley said in a news release. “Expressing our boundless gratitude for the blessing of those who serve us is something we must never forget to do.”

Officiating will be Bishop Deeley, joined by priests and deacons throughout the Maine diocese. The Blue Mass recognizes the dedication, self-sacrifice and faithful commitment from public safety workers.

Attending will be U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, Maine Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald, Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte and hundreds of local, state and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel.

The Blue Mass has been planned by diocesan officials and representatives from local, county and state public safety agencies. Law enforcement and public safety officers will serve as the readers and gift bearers during the ceremony. People of all faiths are encouraged to attend.

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