ATLANTA — Atlanta police and fire crews united to fill the pews of the Cathedral of Christ the King on Friday for the annual Blue Mass honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Officers and firefighters arrived in full uniform bearing flowers to remember the fallen. They were joined by a new recruiting class of 103 cadets paying their respects to those who came before them.

Addressing the congregation, Reverend Monsignor Frank McNamee. emphasized the enduring message of the solemn memorial 25 years later.

“We should all remember that goodness can conquer evil in any shape or form,” McNamee said.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum shared what he hopes people can take away from Friday.

“That day, America rallied together. We pulled our differences and set aside and came together and I hope that we recapture that,” he said. “We always look to our commonality.”

The service brought together local public safety personnel and community members for reflection and prayer.

City officials noted that the annual gathering serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing sacrifice made by first responders.