September 11th Day of Service

Posted by on July 25, 2011

In two months, the nation will observe the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. We will never forget that tragic day. The innocent lives lost, the bravery of those who responded, and the remarkable spirit of unity and compassion that swept the country in the aftermath.

The anniversary of September 11 is a day of history, emotion, and reflection for most Americans. Over the last ten years, this day has also come to symbolize the resilience, kindness, and unity of the American people.

Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks began to seek a forward-looking tribute to honor the sacrifice of those lost and pay tribute to those who rose in service. They believed that engaging in service on the 9/11 anniversary was a productive and respectful way to honor those who died and create a legacy of compassion and action to help meet the challenges we face today.

Thanks to their leadership, the bipartisan 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. We are pleased to be working with MyGoodDeed, HandsOn Network, and other organizations to help make the 10th anniversary of 9/11 one of the largest days of service in history.

We are asking Americans to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service, and honor those who serve our country today by engaging in service on the 9/11 weekend. We are calling on organizations of all kinds – nonprofit and national service, community and faith-based, educational and business – to organize or participate in service activities that weekend.

CNCS is launching a 10th Anniversary Challenge that will make up to $500,000 in awards to encourage organizations to expand participation in the 10th anniversary and to fund service activities for future September 11 Days of Service and Remembrance. The aim of this Challenge is to bring Americans together in the same spirit of compassion, unity, and service that existed after the attacks. Visit http://www.Serve.gov/September11 for details on the Challenge and how to apply.

CNCS will also be making funds available to all 52 state service commissions to increase their capacity to carry out 9/11 activities this year. More information will be coming soon about this initiative and other 9/11 resources.

With the combined efforts of individuals and organizations across the country, we will remember the solemn occasion of September 11 by uniting Americans in a renewed commitment to service.

Thank you for your leadership.

Robert Velasco, II
Acting CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service