MARIETTA—On Memorial Day, Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Atlanta, celebrated Mass at the Marietta National Cemetery to honor the souls of fallen American service members. He was joined by Msgr. John Walsh and Deacon Norm Keller, both from St. Joseph Church in Marietta.

There are nearly 19,000 interments at the cemetery, many dating to the Civil War.

The Mass has been a tradition here since 1988 for members of two local assemblies of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus—whose core principle is based upon patriotism—to pay tribute to departed service members.

The Knights who sponsored, attended and supported the observance as an honor guard represented: Fr. Roger J. Plante M.S. Assembly – #3770 from St. Ann Church and Bishop Charles P. Greco Assembly–#2161 with members from Holy Family Church and St. Joseph Church in Marietta, as well as St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Smyrna.

“The Note-able Knights”—the men’s choir of Our Lady of LaSalette Council #8376 from St. Ann Church in Marietta—provided music. They also sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” accompanied by Ed Bolduc, parish music director. Bugler John Strauss performed “Taps” to conclude the ceremony.

Fourth Degree Knight members have a reputation for supporting members of the U.S. armed forces and their families. They also offer scholarships on behalf of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. These donations help fund education for seminarians preparing to become military chaplains.