Across the United States, September 11, 2025, was marked not only as a solemn day of remembrance but also as a time of action. On the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, Americans came together for the National Day of Service and Remembrance, a congressionally recognized observance that channels grief into acts of unity, service, and compassion.
The day was formally established under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, which sought to honor the legacy of those lost by designating September 11 as a day of national service. Since then, what began as a grassroots idea by the nonprofit 9/11 Day organization has grown into one of the largest annual days of charitable action in the country. This year’s observances reflected a growing commitment to turning tragedy into community impact, with participation from individuals, schools, nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies.
Communities large and small held service projects spanning a wide range of activities. In New York City, volunteers gathered to assemble thousands of meal kits for food-insecure families, with many events organized in partnership with Feeding America and other hunger-relief organizations. In Washington, D.C., community groups coordinated neighborhood cleanups, emphasizing the role of civic pride in honoring the victims of 9/11. On the West Coast, schools and youth organizations took part in service-learning activities, from writing letters to first responders to planting memorial gardens that serve as living tributes.
Many participants spoke about how volunteering on September 11 offers a constructive way to process collective memory. Families of victims, survivors, and ordinary citizens often emphasize that service provides an opportunity to keep the spirit of resilience alive. By performing good deeds in the name of those who perished, communities create a legacy of hope that counters the devastation of the attacks. Local organizations across the country reported higher engagement this year, with many projects oversubscribed with volunteers. That surge in participation highlights how deeply embedded the concept of civic service on 9/11 has become.
The observance also continues to resonate with younger generations who did not live through the events of 2001. Schools and universities incorporated lessons about the significance of 9/11 into their service projects, ensuring that students learn not only about the historical impact of the attacks but also about the importance of civic responsibility. Many educators view this combination of remembrance and action as a powerful tool to foster empathy, unity, and awareness among youth.
Corporate and nonprofit partnerships have played a central role in expanding the reach of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Major companies encouraged employees to take part in volunteer initiatives, often offering paid time off for service. National nonprofits coordinated large-scale projects in dozens of cities, while local charities hosted grassroots events. Collectively, these efforts transformed a day once defined by sorrow into one of the most visible examples of civic engagement in America.
For first responders and veterans, who continue to hold a special place in 9/11 commemorations, the day also provided an opportunity for recognition and solidarity. Fire departments, police precincts, and veterans’ organizations organized joint events where community service was combined with memorial ceremonies. These gatherings honored not only those lost on September 11 but also those who continue to serve in the name of public safety and national defense.
Federal officials, including members of Congress and representatives from AmeriCorps, underscored the importance of the observance. In remarks delivered at several events, leaders praised the enduring spirit of unity that the day fosters. They highlighted how national service initiatives can strengthen communities year-round, while pointing to 9/11 as a defining reminder of the resilience of the American people.
As the nation reflects on nearly a quarter century since the attacks, the National Day of Service and Remembrance stands as a testament to the power of collective action. It demonstrates how remembrance can transcend grief, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and healing. For many, September 11 is no longer only about mourning what was lost but also about building something positive in its memory—whether that is a cleaned-up park, a packed meal, or a renewed sense of community spirit.
In turning a painful anniversary into a call for service, Americans continue to prove that the legacy of 9/11 is not only one of tragedy, but also one of unity, resilience, and compassion.
