We remember “that moment” — September 11, 2001. We recall where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news of the first, then the second, jet crashing into the World Trade Towers. We were glued to news reports as the Pentagon was hit and heroic civilians perished in a field after thwarting their plane’s hijackers. We tried to grasp the unfathomable nature and scope of this tragedy and knew instinctively that something very significant had shifted in our understanding of our world.
In the ensuing days, in the midst of all of our stunned grief, we witnessed the antithesis of such evil in countless examples of heroism, self-sacrifice and goodness. We learned about people who ran toward the falling buildings – not away – in an effort to save others.
Eighteen years have passed since the horror of that poignant day. We certainly have not forgotten. But as time passes, we may wonder how to best honor the memory of those we lost beyond ceremonies and memorials. And what sense of that day do we pass on to our children, who don’t share our memories of that day?
911Day.orghas made its mission to redefine September 11 as a national day of service and remembrance, encouraging Americans to do at least one good deed on that day. teamworks was lucky enough to partner with 911Day.org to help publicize large-scale meal-packing events in Phoenix and St. Louis. In each city, as many as 1,000 volunteers donned hairnets, gathered around ingredients and packing materials and made meals to go to area food banks…to serve the hungry in our community. We were so pleased with the energy and enthusiasm our local reporters brought to covering the event and encouraging service.
It was inspiring to see so many people give of themselves and their time, a beautiful tribute to those lost and to all those who rose to the challenge of helping, recovering, defending and consoling. Strangely, we now look forward to “that day” of service in 2020.
