NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The 17th annual Blue Mass for police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and their families will be held Thursday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame's campus.

The service will begin at 5:15 p.m.

Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., will preside, Rev. Peter Rocca, C.S.C., will be the homilist and Paul Browne, vice president for Public Affairs and Communications and former deputy commissioner for the New York City Police Department, will offer brief remarks.

The first blue mass was held in October 2001 for the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The Mass is open to the public, and people of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome.