In 2002 the nonprofit organization MyGoodDeed, in partnership with leading service-based organizations, proposed a simple yet powerful way for Americans to honor the September 11th victims, survivors, and emergency responders. This initiative – the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance – would offer all those willing and able to participate an opportunity to pay tribute while simultaneously playing a role in our country’s physical and emotional recovery.
After all, what better way to remind the world, fellow Americans, and ourselves that we – the United States of America – were not, are not, and will never be defined by this tragic event, and that those whose lives came to an end on September 11th did not die in vain, than to offer support, a helping hand, and hope to American people and communities in need.
The United States Government agreed, and in 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance under bipartisan law and tasked the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting associated volunteer efforts nationwide.
According to the CNCS United We Serve website, “This year, more than 1 million Americans are expected to serve in their communities in honor of 9/11. Service projects will range from food drives to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities.”
You can be one of those 1 million people. Visit the United We Serve website for more information about this special day, to register a project and recruit volunteers, and/or to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area.
Or if you’d prefer, visit the American Red Cross website for more information about how to volunteer for your local chapter of the organization.
But whatever you do, go out and do good. Set an example for others by serving your community and showing the world – or your little corner of the world – that you remember.