Let’s learn about 9/11 Day of Service together and reach out to others in Connecticut!
Did you know that in 2009 the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama joined together to pass bi-partisan national service legislation that formally designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance? Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is the only other day of service officially established under federal law. In the years that have followed, participation in 9/11 Day has continued to grow. Four million people participated in 2008, the year before Congress passed the legislation. Today, nearly 30 million Americans of all ages participate throughout the nation, by volunteering, supporting charities, and doing good deeds, according to independent research studies. That makes 9/11 Day the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement.
“Two-thirds of the nation are still not aware that 9/11 is a day of charitable engagement,” says David Paine, co founder of MyGoodDeed and site 911day.org.
One way to support others financially in honor of 9/11 Day of Service is to donate $9.11 through 911day.org. 9/11 Please make a tax deductible donation to help pack 500,000 meals on Sunday, September 11 to help hungry families, seniors and veterans. Your support will also further our mission to promote national unity, empathy and service each 9/11 in tribute to the 9/11 victims and heroes.
9/11 Day Events in CT for your family to join!:
CT United Ride is “CT’s largest annual 9/11 tribute;” The Ride on Sunday, September 10begins at 11:30 a.m. in Norwalk, CT at Exit 17 off I-95 (Norden Park); registration opens at 8:30 and Ceremonies begin at 10:30. The Ride ends at Seaside Park in Bridgeport for an afternoon of food, and music with performances by both rock and blues bands.
Farmington – join a Community Peace Gathering at 6:30 PM at the Unionville town gazebo (between Avon, Burlington, and Canton).
Windsor – “Walk of Light” community remembrance ceremony on the historic Windsor Town Green at 7:00 PM. Approximately 3,000 paper luminary bags, one for each individual who lost their life on September 11, 2001will line the sidewalks of the green. Each luminary bag has been inscribed with the name of a person who perished on 9/11 and has been decorated by Windsor students and residents. The bags will be illuminated with glowsticks at dusk. A remembrance ceremony honoring our fallen heroes will be held from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Following the ceremony, those in attendance can stroll the town green until 9:00 PM to view the bags and reflect on the events of 9/11 in their own way. This is a free event and open to the public.
Or visit a memorial within our region as a tribute:
The 9/11 Memorial Sherwood Island Westport, Sherwood Island State Park was chosen for the memorial because on a clear day, the New York City skyline is visible from the point. Also, we are privileged to have in Connecticut another September 11th Memorial in Greenwich which maybe closer or make it a day trip together. Or read about the 911 Tribute Center in New York City to consider being close in person for Manhattan’s activities and events.
In New York, the Children of Abraham Peace Walk will host a walk led by youth born around and after September 11th, 2001. Unlike those who remember life before the tragedy, children born around this fateful day know only a world where hate and bigotry are normal. The Children of Abraham Peace Walk will be the launch of Generation Peace, a year long initiative to bring together youth of various faith traditions to work on self- designed Peace Projects that create positive social change through community service and foster friendships beyond lines of difference. Please join us as we visit houses of worship and FDNY Engine 205 and walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. This is a wonderful event for children of all ages and we encourage you to bring your families and friends, wear your comfortable walking shoes. This event is rain or shine! Friend of non-Abrahamic traditions are most welcome to attend. To learn more about the history of the walk, please visit brooklynpeacewalk.wordpress.com.
Just for fun we’re passing on information about a great event in Green Bay, Wisconsin in case you’re nearby – 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb 2016 held on the outdoor arena’s massive bleachers.
