September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a federally recognized national day of service and remembrance in the United States, held annually on September 11 to commemorate the lives lost in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and in Pennsylvania. This day is also known as Patriot Day and is observed by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and other United States Presidents to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, including those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on United Airlines Flight 93 and American Airlines Flight 77. The day is also recognized by Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives as a national day of service, with many organizations, including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army, participating in service activities.

● Introduction

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a day to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 attacks, including Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, and other United Airlines Flight 93 passengers who attempted to overcome the hijackers. The day is also a time to recognize the heroic efforts of first responders, such as the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department, who risked their lives to save others on September 11. Many organizations, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the 9/11 Memorial Glade, and the Flight 93 National Memorial, participate in memorial services and other events to commemorate the day. The President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, and other government officials, including Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell, often participate in these events, which are also attended by family members of the victims, including Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg.

● History

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance was established by Congress in 2009 with the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which was signed into law by Barack Obama. The law amended the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance. The day is also recognized by the United Nations, the European Union, and other international organizations, including the International Rescue Committee and the Red Cross. Many countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, also observe a moment of silence on September 11 to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency also participate in events to commemorate the day, which is also recognized by Google, Facebook, and other technology companies.

● Observance

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is observed by many organizations and individuals across the United States, including the National Park Service, the United States Army, and the United States Navy. Many people participate in memorial services, volunteer service, and charitable donations to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the 9/11 Memorial Glade are two of the most notable memorials to the victims of the September 11 attacks, and are visited by millions of people each year, including Pope Francis, Angela Merkel, and other world leaders. The Tribute in Light is also a notable memorial, which is held annually on September 11 to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. Many universities, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University, also observe the day with memorial services and other events.

● Service Activities

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a day of service, with many organizations and individuals participating in volunteer activities to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. Many people participate in blood donations with the American Red Cross, food drives with Feeding America, and other service activities with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. The National Day of Service is also recognized by the Points of Light organization, which was founded by George H.W. Bush to promote volunteer service. Many companies, including Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, also participate in service activities on September 11, and encourage their employees to volunteer with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the American Cancer Society. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security also participate in service activities to commemorate the day.

● Legislative Background

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance was established by Congress with the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009. The law was sponsored by Senators Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch, and was signed into law by Barack Obama. The law amended the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to include September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance. The Serve America Act also established the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is responsible for promoting national service and volunteerism, including the AmeriCorps program. The Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office also provide oversight of the Serve America Act and its implementation. The White House and the Office of the President also play a key role in promoting the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, with the President often issuing a proclamation to commemorate the day.

Category:National Days of Service