Flag reminds Catholic school students of heroic actions of Sept. 11

Published: 2007-01-11

YORK, Pa. (CNS) -- Students and faculty members at York Catholic High School now have a vivid reminder of the heroism of firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City through an American flag with an image of the New York City skyline displayed at the entrance to their school auditorium. The flag was obtained through a connection established by the school's religion teacher, Father William Cawley. Five years ago the priest scrolled through a memorial Web site of New York firefighters who died in the attacks and came across someone with the same last name as his, although he was no relation. The priest found out that firefighter Michael Cawley had graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, N.Y. Around Christmas 2001, Father Cawley contributed in Michael Cawley's name to Archbishop Molloy High School and sent a letter to his family. The family was so touched that they made a donation in their son's memory to York Catholic High School. The Cawleys helped restore the chalices used for school Masses and provide a projection system for liturgies. This past fall the family donated to the school auction a special memorial flag they had received for the fifth anniversary of the attacks. The flag was purchased for $1,600 by longtime supporters and graduates of York Catholic High School who specified that the flag should initially be displayed at the school.

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