Houstonians Unite for Annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at Houston National Cemetery
Around the nation, the 11th of September resonates with a solemn significance as Americans reflect on the tragic events of 2001, honoring and remembering those who were lost. In the years since this devastating tragedy, many Americans join forces on this day of remembrance through volunteerism and service to reflect the resilience and unity of the American spirit in what has become the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The 9/11 Day of Service was established by David Paine and Jay Winuk in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The loss of Jay's younger brother, Glenn, a volunteer firefighter who lost his life while responding at the World Trade Center, moved them to create a positive legacy from the tragedy. From a simple idea, "Let's take back the day by turning the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good," they successfully transformed the anniversary into America's largest day of service.
Over 30 million Americans and countless others participate in the 9/11 Day of Service, dedicating their time to helping others in need. The day rekindles the spirit of unity that united Americans in the days following the 9/11 tragedy. It serves as a reminder that, in the midst of tragedy and sorrow, there can emerge a spirit of service, resilience, and unity that defines the best of humanity.
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In Houston, this spirit of service takes form in a collective volunteer effort led by the Volunteer Initiatives Program and Just Serve at the Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. Equipped with a respectful spirit and a commitment to honor those lost, dedicated volunteers gather annually to make this day a meaningful experience for all. They engage in a range of preservation tasks, from headstone cleaning and tree mulching, to raking, cleaning, and aiding in garbage pickup. This year, the annual cleanup initiative will take place on Saturday, September 7 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The event is organized by the City of Houston's Volunteer Initiatives Program Office. Since its conception in 2004, the organization has been dedicated to engaging residents in civic service. Annually, they place between 3,000 and 5,000 volunteers within various city departments, fostering a strong connection between citizens and their community. In the spirit of unity and remembrance, they invite all to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service, regardless of age.
To learn more about this local initiative and sign up, visit this website or contact Maren Will at kmwill@justserve.org or 832-433-2980.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
