The event is organized by the Marshall University 9/11 Day of Service Committee in partnership with 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps. One of only two National Days of Service on the U.S. calendar, 9/11 Day has become the largest single day of service in the country, engaging more than 30 million people each year in service and good deeds. Around one-fourth of all Americans have no memory of the events of that day. Teaching students about 9/11 through the lens of service and providing opportunities for them to pay tribute in ways that are meaningful to them can have a lasting positive impact on both students and their communities.
Over the course of the three days, students, faculty and staff will take part in a community memorial cleanup, support for community partners, a 9/11 Memorial Stair Challenge (climbing 2,200 steps to symbolize the journey of first responders who climbed the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001), a Heroes’ Breakfast honoring local first responders and veterans, a tribute walk, a first responder vehicle wash, a VA Mobile Clinic and first responder cancer screening, a first responder softball game, and a hunger relief drive.
Connor Waller, a graduate student, former student body president and member of the planning committee, said the recognition is an important event for the community.
“The 9/11 Days of Service give our campus and the broader community an opportunity to participate actively in remembrance,” Waller said. “In my view, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, giving back is a truly meaningful way to honor the legacies of those we lost. Through service, we can lean on each other and have hope for a brighter future. ”
A complete schedule of events is available here. Please note that the breakfast is for first responders and veterans only.