In times of challenge, service brings out the best of America
By Barbara Stewart, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service
Tomorrow will mark 19 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. We will never forget that tragic day — the innocent lives lost, the bravery of those who responded, and the spirit of unity and compassion that swept the country in the aftermath.
On a day when humanity was at its worst, we saw America at its best. The heroism of our first responders, the resilience of recovery workers, the bravery of our Armed Forces, and the acts of compassion and service by Americans across the country. For many, it was the kindness and generosity of others that helped them get through those dark days.
It was in this spirit that family and friends who had lost loved ones joined with first responders and others to propose that the September 11th anniversary become an annual day of service and remembrance. They believed that engaging in service was a productive and respectful way to keep our promise to never forget those who were lost, and to rekindle the spirit of compassion to help meet the challenges we face today.
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, working with My Good Deed and other partners.
Since then, millions of Americans have come together on 9/11 Day to honor those lost and engage in a broad range of service projects. Together, they represent a shared belief that by neighbor helping neighbor, we can make our country stronger.
We know that COVID-19 has changed what service will look like on 9/11 Day this year. While large in-person projects may not be possible, there are many ways you can safely serve your community. You can donate food to a local food bank, connect with a senior who may feel isolated at home through a letter or phone call, or commit to a longer term need like virtually mentoring or tutoring a local student. Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost and honor the spirit of unity that followed 9/11.
Service to others is at the heart of who we are as Americans. Americans answer the call to serve every day, and especially in times of crisis.
This year, as our nation faces challenges from COVID-19, that spirit of service has never been more important. Just as earlier generations of Americans overcame great tests, so must we draw on the resilience of the American people to overcome the health and economic impacts of this disease.
Tomorrow, as we remember the heroes and victims of 9/11, let us also commit to rekindling that spirit of compassion and service to meet the challenges of today.
Barbara L. Stewart is the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that leads the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps national service programs and supports volunteering across America. To learn more about the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, visit nationalservice.gov/911Day. A version of this article previously appeared on the National Service Blog.
