This September 11th, the country will mourn the 14th anniversary of the attacks that changed our world forever. But if you want to honor the victims, survivors and their families of the 9/11 attacks, volunteer.
Because of the organizers of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11th is no longer just about grieving what we lost, but about using the day to make the world a better place.
To keep alive the spirit of compassion and service that united Americans in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, September 11th is now federally recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, establishing a tradition of national engagement in charitable acts as a tribute to the victims, survivors and first responders of 9/11.
The observance of this day is led by MyGoodDeed, a nonprofit dedicated to using the power of service to overcome the tragedy of September 11th. Congress charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with helping to support this effort across the country, in the hopes that citizens from every state will join in to create a popular day of volunteerism. As a result, the National Day of Service has grown to become the country's largest annual day of charitable service.
How can you get involved in honoring the reflective spirit of the day?
The 9/11 Memorial offers several ways:
- Volunteer and serve - Visit Volunteer and Serve and find numerous ways to give back to your community, including organizing a clothing or food drive, supporting a green initiative, and volunteering at a shelter.
- Commemorate in Your community - Visit Commemorate 9/11 to learn how the Memorial will commemorate the 14th anniversary and to discover ways to commemorate similarly in your own communities. Also, locate a 9/11 memorial near your community with our Memorial Registry that tracks 9/11 memorials throughout the world.
- Commemorate in the classroom - For educators and parents, take the anniversary to teach your children about the importance of 9/11. Download age-appropriate lesson plans that explore the history of 9/11 and discuss why we remember 9/11.
Other ways to pay tribute:
- The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to midnight on 9/11 for a special viewing of #TributeInLight. The museum's leaders invite people around the world to pay respects to the fallen and first responders through the museum's social media pages, and they encourage friends and family to take 9/11 to reflect on the day that changed us forever. Go to www.thunderclap.it to share a message of support.
- Go to www.911day.org to pledge one good deed on 9/11 and then share it with friends.
- Share your acts of commemoration and tributes by using hashtags #911Memorial and #Honor911 on social media.
- Tour the new Visitor Center at Flight 93 National Memorial. Advanced tickets are required on September 10 and 11. Read more about the ticketing process and September events at www.nps.gov/flni.
- Schedule a tour of the 9/11 Tribute Center, a project of the September 11th Families' Association which brings together those who want to learn about 9/11 with those who experienced it. The 9/11 Tribute Center invites visitors to share personal stories of the 9/11 community -- family members who lost loved ones, survivors, first responders and rescue workers, civilian volunteers, and community residents whose healing is a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit.
On September 11th, do your part to honor those we lost by reflecting, connecting and reclaiming the day through a legacy of giving back.