AmeriCorps Leads the Nation in Service to Remember the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Americans Across the Country Deliver Impactful Service Projects to Commemorate 9/11

WASHINGTON, DC- On Friday, Sept. 11, AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering, led the 25th annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the lives lost, their families and the heroic acts of Americans in response. From packing meals, planting memorial trees, to cleaning veteran cemeteries and more, thousands of volunteers nationwide stepped forward to serve their communities and pay tribute to the legacy of unity that emerged from tragedy.

"Each year, Americans across the country unite in service to honor those we lost, their families, and those who rose in service on 9/11," said Mark Lloyd, Chief of Staff, AmeriCorps. "25 years ago, Americans mobilized to support one another in the face of tragedy, showing the strength and compassion at the heart of our nation. We see that same spirit today in the millions who stepped up to serve their communities and carry forward this legacy of unity and purpose."

Since Congress designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, AmeriCorps and the nonprofit 9/11 Day have partnered to inspire acts of service that honor the lives lost and the heroes who responded. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year's milestone 9/11 Day of Service underscored the enduring commitment of volunteers nationwide who continue to transform remembrance into action. Elected officials, national service leaders, and partners joined AmeriCorps at service projects across the country to commemorate this landmark anniversary. Service Projects included:

• In 51 cities, 50,000 volunteers, including AmeriCorps leadership and elected officials, united for the largest single-day meal pack in history - packing 18 million meals for families across the country.
• In New York City, a memorial tree planting and landscape restoration event at The Battery, hosted in partnership with One Tree Planted, 9/11 Day, and The Battery Conservancy, offered a meaningful opportunity to honor the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice shown in the aftermath of the tragedy, and create a living tribute rooted in hope and renewal.
• In Denver, Colorado, more than 200 AmeriCorps NCCC Volunteers joined Carry The Load and 200 community volunteers to clean headstones and beautify the grounds at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Over 15,000 volunteers participated at over 140 cemeteries across the country to honor the memory of fallen service members.

Through AmeriCorps funding, eight partner organizations hosted more than 550 service projects nationwide, mobilizing nearly 430,000 community volunteers to honor those lost on 9/11 and strengthen communities. These projects, from neighborhood clean-ups and blood drives to job readiness clinics and disaster preparedness kit packing, met vital local needs and encouraged long-term commitments to service.

"Service is one of the enduring threads in our American story, and AmeriCorps embodies that tradition every day," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 and America Gives. "As we mark 25 years since 9/11, we honor those who responded by serving others and recognize the millions who continue to give their time and talents to their communities. On this day of remembrance, it is my hope that we continue to give back to our communities and remember that each of us has a role to play in building the future of our country.

Download photos from service projects across the country.