The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the failed attack on the White House due to the brave men and women aboard United Airlines Flight 93, claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2001. Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort to honor the citizens and first responders who lost their lives on that day.

The U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved on October 25, 2001. Resolution 71 stated that September 11 of each year will be Patriot Day. The resolution was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2001.

On Patriot Day, the president asks the American flag be flown at half-mast at the White House, U.S. government buildings and at American homes, as well as a moment of silence to take place at 8:46 A.M. Eastern time; the moment the first hijacked plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. These are just a few things one can do to pay.

“9/11, to me, is a day I’ll never forget, and I don’t think any one else will either,” said Information Technician 1st Class Matt Brashares, a Sailor aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from Attica, Ohio. “It was a day that changed a lot of lives.”  

In 2009, September 11th was designated The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This act was a result of an effort by 9/11 family members and support groups to encourage U.S. citizens to come together and give back to their communities.

This year, as with years past, there are several ways to both mourn the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as well as celebrate the lives they led.

“Each year, more and more Americans are recognizing service to others is a fitting and appropriate way to honor the memory of those who were lost on September 11,” said Wendy Spencer, The CEO of Corporation for National Community Service. “Service and Remembrance can help rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation after 9/11 to help meet the challenges we face today.” 

For those who were either not yet, born, or are too young to remember 9/11, today is a good day to inform and remind them of the significance of  the events that took place on that September day.

“Most of everything I know about 9/11 was taught to me by my parents,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Efren Casino, a Nimitz Sailor from Montgomery, Alabama, who was barely three years old on September 11, 2001. “I think it is important to remember and pass down the knowledge of 9/11 from one generation to the next so that history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Honoring the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, and the lives sacrificed is important not only in paying respect to our departed, but as a reminder of how vulnerable this nation can be, and how important it is to protect it. Individuals seeking volunteering opportunities in their community can do so by going to NationalService.gov/911Day.

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