September 11th -- National Day of Service and Remembrance
9.11.01 will live in our minds forever as a most infamous day, coupled with extraordinary bravery and service of those who rose up in response to the attacks. While we can certainly never forget, we can continue to honor and remember the 9/11 victims, survivors and selfless heroes of the day.
After the attacks, a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks was proclaimed by President George W. Bush, and this officially became Patriot Day on September 11, 2002. Patriot Day of each year focuses on remembrance and engaging in charitable service on 9/11 as an annual, forward-looking tribute.
In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance under bipartisan federal law, and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNSC) with helping to support this effort across the country. For the anniversary, CNCS is working with 9/11 Day and numerous other organizations to implement one of the largest days of charitable service in U.S. history when Americans unite in service in the same remarkable way that so many came together in prayer and support following the attacks.
Observances
- All 50 states will host service and remembrance activities so people can volunteer to serve, such as painting and refurbishing houses, food drives, honoring Veterans, military families and first responders
- The Stars and Stripes is flown at half-staff at the White House, individual American homes, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world
- A moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (EDT), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001
- Volunteer and service opportunities are coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial at WTC in New York
“A Callery pear tree became known as the "Survivor Tree" after enduring the September 11, 2001, terror attacks at the World Trade Center. In October 2001, the tree was discovered at Ground Zero severely damaged, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival and rebirth.” (www.911memorial.org)
All of us at Concrete Craft join with the rest of the country to remember 9/11, honor the fallen and work together for a brighter future.
