Embedded in the tragic memory of September 11, 2001 is the resolve to stand up for democracy and to foster good will among all people. Since 2002, this is what Americans have volunteered on the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance to do, to strengthen the fabric of our democracy and remember those we lost.
On September 5th, United Way HandsOn Suncoast provided an opportunity for volunteers to serve and remember at the Bay Pines Veterans Administration campus in Pinellas County, FL. About 200 volunteers pitched in on projects around the campus, like maintaining plant beds, sorting donated items, and cleaning the shoreline. United Way Silicon Valley is hosting a day of service on September 11th, with volunteers rallying at City Hall in San Jose, CA, then dispersing to nearby project sites. United Way of Lowndes County in Columbus, MS is also offering service opportunities starting at 6:00 a.m. on 9/11, such as trimming the hedges for senior citizens who live on their own and cleaning and painting the community center.
We can never forget what happened on 9/11, but it is easy to imagine people of all ages, coming together in cities large and small, to advance the common good on that day. Even one person can make a difference, an idea captured perfectly by this video.
This 9/11, remember to do one good deed.
13000 children were born on September 11, 2001. Watch the inspiring story and message from one of them, Hillary O'Neil.
I hope you will contact your local United Way to learn how you can make a difference, on September 11th and other days of the year. Or you can organize a service project in your area, using toolkits and other resources found here.
Either way, I hope you will pledge today to do a good deed, and act on your resolve to serve, to remember and to Live United.