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Marian Catholic High School to dedicate flag in honor of alum

Lt. Commander Patrick J. Murphy (’81) killed on September 11, 2001

information provided by Marian Catholic High School

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (October 16, 2019) – On Friday, October 18, at 7:20pm, Marian Catholic High School will conduct a special ceremony in memory of Lt. Commander Patrick J. Murphy (’81) who was killed on September 11, 2001, when a plane crashed into the Pentagon. The American flag flown over the US Capitol Building at the request of Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly will be presented and raised on the flag pole dedicated to Lt. Murphy while the Marian Catholic Band plays the National Anthem. An honor guard will fire a volley of three in Lt. Murphy’s honor, followed by the sounding of Taps.

Patrick Murphy grew up in Olympia Fields and attended elementary school at Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor. He was a member of the Marian Catholic football team for four years, playing offensive lineman. After graduating from Marian Catholic High School in 1981, Murphy signed up for ROTC and attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering. In May 1986, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in the Nuclear Propulsion program.

In September of 2001, Marian Catholic established The Lt. Commander Patrick J. Murphy ’81 Memorial Scholarship. On Friday, September 20, 2002, Marian Catholic dedicated the flagpole at the football stadium honoring Lt. Commander Patrick J. Murphy.

Marian Catholic High School is located at 700 Ashland Avenue in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.