New York City Remembers September 11th

The feelings generated by September 11, 2001 are unparalleled on this fateful day.  Yesterday, thousands entered the city to pay tribute to survivors, those that rose in service, and the individuals who were lost in the horrific attack against our nation. President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush participated in the memorial ceremony at Ground Zero. Neither read speeches, instead, each read a poem in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Additionally, family members of the 9/11 victims read the names of those who died at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and in the plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A moment of silence marked the times when the planes hit, the towers crumbled, the Pentagon was struck and the plane crashed.

While the ceremony at Ground Zero is for the families of victims, service opportunities provided to those who want to commemorate the event:

  • A creative art project took place a few blocks away from Ground Zero in the Gardens of Remembrance at Battery Park. This community-based project, entitled Ribbons of Hope, paid tribute to 9/11 by inviting people of all backgrounds, neighborhoods, and ages to tie a ribbon with a message on a panel that will be on display to the public.
  • In Manhattan, groups from DOROT, mobilizing volunteers of all ages improve the lives and health of the elderly, by delivering  Rosh Hashanah packages and visiting with DOROT seniors to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11th. These people had the chance to connect with elders, share stories, and provide not only an ear to listen, but also treat to celebrate the upcoming Jewish holiday.
  • The 9/11 Emergency Preparedness Fair took place around the island of Manhattan, where volunteers created a variety of significant resources for times of emergency. These resources include hand-outs for the public about fire safety, flu viruses, and disastrous weather conditions, photocopies of important documents, and establishing medical ID cards. This service project on being prepared for emergency situations was useful for all different families, but primarily benefit the seniors in the communities on Manhattan.
  • As a tradition, the 9/11 Memorial was open to families to visit. Volunteers brought groups of people who have disabilities and special needs through the Memorial at Ground Zero. They assisted them in locating names carved into the Memorial structures on display, along with guiding people through the events of the 9/11 attacks.


Service opportunities took place all over America yesterday. Every service initiative counted.  Highlighting the New York City projects that people participated in brings a sense of comfort to the fact that the city has been slowly healing.  Service is an extraordinary way to remember what happened 10 years ago, and has the ability to reverse the feeling of sadness and mourning to joy and relief.

We at ServiceNation hope you enjoyed your day, and never forget what happened on September 11th.