VA cemeteries to hold national day of service and remembrance marking the 24th anniversary of 9/11

WASHINGTON - Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries will host a day of service and remembrance to honor victims of the 9/11 attacks on Sept. 11, also known as Patriot Day.

Public Law 107-89 established Sept. 11 as Patriot Day. The law encourages Americans to honor victims of the 9/11 attacks each year on Sept. 11.

As it has in the past, VA's National Cemetery Administration this year is collaborating with the nonprofit organization Carry The Load to host events across the nation that allow volunteers to observe Patriot Day.

Patriot Day events will take place at more than 60 VA national cemeteries and include opportunities for volunteers to clean headstones and participate in other beautification activities.

Forty-seven Veterans and dependents who passed away as a result of the attacks on 9/11 are buried or memorialized in VA national cemeteries, with the most at Calverton and Long Island national cemeteries in New York.

"VA cemeteries are an ideal place to reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of 9/11," said VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown. "This Patriot Day, we invite all Americans to visit participating VA cemeteries, where they can help honor and preserve the legacies of the victims, first responders, servicemembers and families touched by 9/11."

"On Patriot Day, we encourage Americans to honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 by serving in their communities and sharing stories of the first responders and military who sacrificed to keep us safe," said Co-founder, President, and CEO of Carry The Load and Veteran U.S. Navy SEAL Stephen Holley. "Together we can make a positive impact and show our gratitude for those who sacrificed so much for our freedom."

Those wishing to participate in VA cemeteries' national day of service and remembrance can register. Cleaning supplies and other materials will be provided and there is no cost to participate.