Blue Sunday: Trinity Atmore honors First Responders

By Bonnie Bartel Latino, Coastline Correspondent
With Sherry Digmon, Atmore News

ATMORE, AL — Each year, Trinity Episcopal Church in Atmore, AL, hosts a Blue Sunday service on the Sunday closest to 9/11.They invite local first responders and city and county dignitaries to their Holy Eucharist service and lunch in the parish hall afterward.

In his sermon, the Reverend Mark McDonald discussed the nation’s sorrow, even 10 years later, and the struggle the nation still has with loss and anger. He talked about the ones who lost their lives that day – the victims and the first responders. “There were many who gave their lives in the call of duty,” Rev. McDonald said. “…We honor and pray for the victims that day and their families who loved them. We place our fragile lives in the hands of God…We trust in God, the God Who created us all.”

Rev. McDonald said it was also a fitting time to honor the men and women in the armed services. “They are in harm’s way to serve others…Our hearts are very grateful,” he said.

This year Trinity also included the Poarch Creek first responders the service.

First responders attended Blue Sunday service at Trinity/Atmore on September 11. They are, from left, first row, Kevin Baggett, PCI FD; Jeremy Lee, AFD; Mike Respress, PCI FD; Emilie Mims, Trinity vestry and Escambia County Judge of Probate; the Reverend Mark McDonald; Stephen Waguespack, APD; Jimmy Jay, APD; second row, Gerry McGhee, AFD; Kaysie Malone, Atmore Ambulance; Michael Word, PCI FD; Susan Odom, Atmore Ambulance; Branden Barlow, AFD; John Powers, APD; third row, Daniel White, AFD; Jeremy Lisenby, AFD; Mike Staples, AFD; Ronald Peebles, AFD; Glenn Carlee, Atmore Director of Public Safety; Steve Morris, APD. [Photo by Sherry Digmon,Atmore News.

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Senior Warden and retired US Marine aviator, Lt. Col. Bob Goforth, with flag, waits on the porch of Trinity/Atmore prior to the processional with Lay Eucharistic Minister and former US Marine, Steve Reynolds,Crucifer. [Photo: Bonnie Bartel Latino.