Americans serve together to honor and remember Sept. 11

(BPT) – More than two decades ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, many lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From across America, people stepped forward — uniting to help the families of those lost, assist the injured, and do whatever they could to help.AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers were among those who were there to help, offering emergency assistance to the injured, serving as family caseworkers, and helping those displaced from Ground Zero find housing and other services. For many, their service was a life-changing experience, inspiring them to pursue careers in public service.The 9/11 attacks also inspired AmeriCorps alumni Cait and Kevin to serve. Both lost their fathers that day but found ways to heal through service.Cait chooses to remember her father by inspiring others to give back and doing what her father loved — helping others in need.“Looking back, my journey involved not only following in my father’s footsteps to help others but also finding the importance of community in my own healing. The way our communities came together after 9/11 was remarkable. It taught me that despite all our differences, we all have the ability to come together to listen, learn, and accept one another. I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it weren’t for these lessons. I learned how difficult and messy traumatic events can be in our lives, but also learned how resiliency can be beautiful,” said Cait.Kevin continues to honor his father’s memory by working with nonprofit organizations to lift up fellow New Yorkers and Americans to a better and brighter future.Kevin shared, “In 2001, I was just 4 years old when I lost my father in the attack on the World Trade Center. That devastating loss changed me and inspired me to help others in need through my service with AmeriCorps and now in my career. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how small efforts can affect great changes that impact the lives of those in need.”The events of that day and the heroism of the first responders ultimately led to the creation of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, founded by the nonprofit 9/11 Day with the support of the 9/11 community, AmeriCorps, and bipartisan leaders in Congress.Since 2009, Americans have united in service and volunteerism on Sept. 11 to honor those lost and recognize the sacrifices that members of the armed forces, emergency responders, and their families continue to make.AmeriCorps works with 9/11 Day, grantees and partners, as well as faith-based, local, and national organizations, to offer volunteering opportunities in communities across the nation.People of all ages and backgrounds join and lead community service projects from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities to honor the lives and service of those lost that day. These civic champions cross divides, differences, and ideologies to make a difference — rekindling the spirit of unity and service that swept our nation after that tragic day.You can be a part of this movement. Join your neighbors and make plans to serve your community on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.To find a volunteer opportunity near you or learn more, visit AmeriCorps.gov/911day.