Mass for Military and First Responders

City of Fairfax Police Officers Michael Bartholme (center) and Chris Zurbach present the gifts to Deacon David Maurer at the Mass for Military and First Responders Sept. 8 at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax. COURTESY | ERIC WOTJKUN

Diocesan clergy including Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde (center) and members of military and law enforcement services and Knights of Columbus dignitaries, honor guard and honorary flag bearers pose for a photo outside St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax following the Mass for Military and First Responders Sept. 8. COURTESY | ERIC WOTJKUN

Fr. Robert Wagner (center), flanked by fellow diocesan clergy, leads the Mass for Military and First Responders Sept. 8 at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax. COURTESY | ERIC WOTJKUN

Knights of Columbus lead the procession after the Mass for Military and First Responders Sept. 8 at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax. COURTESY | ERIC WOTJKUN

A cake displayed at the reception following Mass reads “We Thank our Heroes.” COURTESY | ERIC WOTJKUN