The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor 9/11 victims, survivors, and others who rose up in service in response to the attacks.

In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. For the 10th anniversary, CNCS worked with numerous organizations to organize one of the largest days of charitable service in U.S. history.
 

Paying Tribute

On the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Americans served in the same remarkable way that so many came together in unity and service following the attacks.

There were service projects in all 50 states and hundreds of thousands of volunteers turned out to paint and refurbish homes, run food drives, spruce up schools, reclaim neighborhoods, and support and honor veterans, soldiers, military families, and first responders.

Other highlights included:

• The First Family served together at a DC Central Kitchen.
• More than 200 Administration staff participated in service activities including Cabinet Secretaries and senior Administration officials.
• A special 10th Anniversary Challenge was introduced, awarding $500,000 to secure a legacy for future September 11th Day activities.
• More than 30 state service commissions received funds from CNCS to implement service and remembrance activities.
• An unprecedented effort was led by MyGoodDeed and HandsOn Network, engaging many nonprofit organizations, building substantial financial and volunteer support from the corporate sector, and partnering with CNCS. Their "I Will" Tribute movement set out a goal of making the 10th anniversary the single largest day of charitable activity in the nation.

“All of us remember where we were that dark day 10 years ago, and how each of us wanted to help our country and our fellow citizens in any way we could,” said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of CNCS, who helped assemble care packages for homeless veterans this morning.

“The extraordinary response to the call to serve on September 11th reminds us that service is central to who we are as Americans and can help rekindle the spirit of compassion and patriotism that united our country a decade ago,” added Velasco.

Many people were moved to act in the days following the attacks in 2001, and long after. CNCS gathered stories of people whose lives and paths were changed by 9/11, and who have dedicated themselves to service as a result.
 

September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance
10th Anniversary Challenge

On the 10th anniversary of the attacks, CNCS issued a challenge encouraging organizations to effectively engage individuals in service to their communities during the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and compete for grant awards.

CNCS awarded 14 grants -- ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 -- to organizations so they can expand their September 11th Day activities in future years. One-hundred and forty three organizations originally entered the challenge from 38 states, DC, and Guam. After the weekend of September 11th, eligible entrants reported more than 150,000 volunteers engaged nationwide.
 

Stories from the National Service Blog
 

Posted on 9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011

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