Knights of Columbus Breakfast Service Reflects on World Trade Center

One Sunday a month, the Knights of Columbus opens its doors to the public for a buffet breakfast. On Sunday, the organization’s breakfast service became an opportunity for the community to come together on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“We wanted to remember Set. 11, but we wanted to go back to a time when the World Trade Center still existed,” said Joe Virgilio, grand knight of the Knight of Columbus Council 1672.

Rather than focus on the tragedy, the organization wanted to recognize what the World Trade Center stood for, Virgilio said. The Knights of Columbus screened a presentation on the history of the Twin Towers during each of its four breakfast services. The Knights of Columbus honor guard appeared in full regalia and the audience joined in a moment of silence. Patrons also received a bookmark with a prayer of remembrance for the 10th anniversary.

In addition, the Knights of Columbus honor guard lent its services to area churches, including St. Gabriel’s in Marlboro and St. Leo’s in Lincroft, for their Sept. 11 ceremonies. Virgilio said the Knights of Columbus’ participation in Sept. 11 services fits into the organization’s founding principles.

“We operate under four ideas: charity, unity, patriotism and fraternity,” Virgilio said.

The Freehold order was established in 1913 in St. Rose of Lima Church and moved into its current location in 1969, where it serves both St. Rose of Lima and St. Robert Bellarmine.

The next community breakfast at the Knights of Columbus will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. The breakfast will be Halloween-themed and the cost will be $7 per adult and $5 per child under 12.