The National Day of Service and Remembrance, observed annually on 11 September, is a U.S. national day of observance dedicated to honoring the victims and heroes of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Established federally through the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act following years of grassroots advocacy by 9/11 families, the observance transforms a day of tragedy into a nationwide movement of volunteerism, community service, and acts of kindness.

What is the National Day of Service and Remembrance?

The National Day of Service and Remembrance is an official United States day of observance held every 11 September. It encourages citizens to pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 2001 terrorist attacks by performing voluntary acts of service and community outreach. Rather than focusing solely on grief, the observance channels national unity into constructive civic action.

Led federally by AmeriCorps (the Corporation for National and Community Service) in collaboration with non-profit organizations like 9/11 Day, the occasion has grown into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the United States. Millions of volunteers participate in food packing events, neighborhood revitalization, blood drives, and educational programs across American communities.

Origins and legislative history

Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, Congress passed Public Law 107-89 on 18 December 2001, designating 11 September as Patriot Day—a day for prayer and flying flags at half-staff. However, family members of 9/11 victims sought a companion initiative focused on active volunteerism. In 2002, David Paine and Jay Winuk, whose brother Glenn Winuk died while responding at the World Trade Center, co-founded the non-profit MyGoodDeed to establish 9/11 as a national day of service.

Their grassroots effort gained nationwide momentum over several years. On 21 April 2009, President Barack Obama signed the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (Public Law 111-13). The law formally designated 11 September as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, directing federal agencies and civic groups to foster community volunteer projects on the anniversary each year.

How the day is observed across the nation

Observances combine traditional solemn tributes with active volunteer work. At 8:46 a.m. EDT—the exact moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower—a national moment of silence is observed. Flags across the country are lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset. In New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, official memorial services honor victims with name readings and wreath-laying ceremonies.

Concurrently, tens of thousands of community service initiatives take place nationwide. Large-scale meal packing projects prepare millions of non-perishable meals for local food banks, while regional organizations host disaster response training, veteran support drives, and youth mentoring activities. Educational programs, including school lectures and library exhibits, also help younger generations learn about the historic impact of 11 September 2001.

How to participate in 9/11 Day of Service

Honoring the memory of 9/11 victims and heroes can take many forms, from organized volunteer projects to personal acts of kindness.