Today
marks the fourteenth anniversary of the terrorists attacks on the United States
– September 11, 2001. On that day, our
lives, indeed our world, changed in ways we could never foresee.
One
way we Americans have commemorated the day is with the 9/11 Memorial. Completed in 2011, the
memorial is one of the largest in the world.
The
purpose of the memorial is to commemorate the lives of the 2,977 who died on
that September day: at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in
Washington D.C., and aboard commercial airliner Flight 93 that crashed in a
Pennsylvania field killing all on board. |
| 9/11 Memorial |
The
memorial is made up of a museum, performing arts center, and a park with two pools and the largest man-made waterfall in the world.
 |
| Inside Founders Hall |
Museum
exhibits are divided into three categories: the events leading up to September 11th,
an in-depth look at the actual day from historical,
memorial and physical perspectives, and the aftermath including immediate rescue and recovery, and now, how our world has been forever changed.
But
another aspect of the 9/11 Memorial is to also remind us to step forward and
volunteer. We can do so by honoring first responders, memorializing those who were
killed, educating children on the events that happened on that day. Or in a broader scope by showing appreciation to our troops, sponsoring a
tribute to local EMTs, honoring search and rescue dogs for their service
to the community; donating time at a shelter, nursing home, or at a local
park or cemetery. There is always something we can do to give back and say “Thank
You” for sacrifices made.
If
you’re interested in finding out more ways to volunteer and serve, visit the Corporation for National and Community
Service website.
What
a beautiful and fitting way to "remember the day that changed us forever."
~ Joy
