The Blue Mass began in 1934, when L.E. officers gathered to pray for their fallen comrades and seek God’s blessing for their own safety.
The tradition — borrowing its name from the color of many officers’ uniforms — stopped in the mid-1970’s but has since resumed and the popularity has grown.
Before Mass, hundreds of law enforcement officers and public safety officials gather outside for the solemn processional into St. Patrick’s. Units from federal, state, and local jurisdictions gather in formation to pass under a huge American flag proudly hung over the street by two fire ladder trucks. Also gathered outside are officers on horseback, as well as pipe and drum corps units. The Mass includes an honor guard, bagpipers, and the solemn playing of “Taps” in memory of those who gave their lives in the past year.
The Mass will pray for those in law enforcement and fire safety, remember those who have fallen, and support those who serve. Representatives of Federal and local law enforcement and public safety agencies from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area and around the country will attend.
