On this two-year anniversary, Americans still remember the tragedy and pain our nation experienced as the World Trade Center’s twin towers collapsed, the Pentagon was hit and a plane went down in Pennsylvania. In the tragedy, rescue workers did what they could to save lives. In the aftermath, Americans pulled together by donating blood, grieving as a nation, and displaying “God Bless America” signs. Today, the families of victims have chosen to turn Sept. 11 into a day of volunteering, commemorating the lives of those that were lost and uniting the nation through service. “Americans responded [to the activities] with generosity, with compassion and a healing spirit [during the attacks],” the Web site,www.networkforgood.org/ 911 states. According to the same site, “From California to Maine, Washington to Florida, America[n]s are pulling together to remember the events of September 11. They’re honoring those whose lives were lost as well as those who gave themselves in a moment of crisis.” The families of victims aren’t the only ones who are encouraging Americans to honor the day. Congress voted Dec. 18, 2001 to request the president designate Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day.” Sept. 4, 2002, President George W. Bush fulfilled Congress’ request and said, “I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils.” For the second anniversary of Sept. 11, the White House suggests Americans to take a moment of silence at their work place, or display American flags at half-staff in remembrance. President Bush has also promoted the victims’ families cause and encouraged Americans to engage in volunteer acts. According to the White House Web site, President Bush will begin his own Sept. 11 observance by attending church at a private ceremony in Washington, D.C. Following the service, the president will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Throughout the anniversary, memorial services will be held in Washington D.C., New York and Pennsylvania at the three sites where the planes crashed. President Bush commemorated the event last year and said, “September 11, 2001, will always be a fixed point in the life of America. The loss of so many lives left us to examine our own. Each of us was reminded that we are here only for a time, and these counted days should be filled with things that last and matter: love for our families, love for our neighbors, and for our country; gratitude for life and to the Giver of life.” The victims’ families encourage fellow Americans to remember the fallen heroes and the lives lost in the attacks through service. According to the Network for Good’s Web site, “We’ve come far from the events of that day – and we’re still making a difference today. Generosity, compassion and healing are everyday American virtues. Act on them today – to continue the tasks we began a year ago, and also to carry the spirit of charity into our own cities and neighborhoods.” For more information or ideas on volunteering, visit the Network for Good Web site at www.networkforgood.org/911.
