Firefighter Nation

For the first time this year, the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks will permanently be federally-recognized as the National Day of Service and Rememberance, through support from the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America legislation.

Signed by President Barack Obama in April, this legislation will be marked by observance and tribute to the 9/11 victims and those who responded in service to the attacks. In New York City, on September 11th, New York Governor David Paterson, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other notable figures will be speaking at "The Tribute" event. Other notable personalities include long-standing supporters Gary Sinise and Jimmy Fallon.

Hosting the event is the organization MyGoodDeed, a 9/11 non-profit that led the establishment of the National day of Service, and ServiceNation, a coalition of of over 200 nantional and local service organizations. Support for "The Tribute" comes from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

“Our ultimate goal is to leave a positive legacy that honors the victims and those who rose in service,” said MyGoodDeed president David Paine, who founded the organization in 2002 along with close friend Jay S. Winuk, the brother of 9/11 rescuer Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney, volunteer firefighter and EMT who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower. “We hope to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the terrorist attacks, and are truly inspired by the remarkable support for this observance and the help of so many wonderful leaders and organizations that share this hopeful vision. We are especially thankful for the leadership provided in securing this historic 9/11 legacy by former Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Senator Charles Schumer, along with U.S. Representatives Peter King, Carolyn McCarthy, George Miller and Buck McKeon.”

The Tribute event, being held at the venerable Beacon Theatre beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET, is part of a broad national effort underway to commemorate the establishment of 9/11 as a National Day of Service, as well as to encourage more Americans to serve as volunteers on a regular basis. Many national organizations besides the event coordinators have joined in formally supporting this effort as National Program Leaders, including AARP Create the Good, America’s Promise Alliance, BetheChange Inc., CauseCast.com, City Year, DoSomething.org, StudentPIRGs, Points of Light Institute/HandsOn, the U.S. Chamber’s Business Civic Leadership Center and Youth Service America.

MyGoodDeed and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum also have entered into a strategy collaboration to help support one another’s missions and programs. “Tremendous acts of compassion and sacrifice characterized the events of 9/11. The 9/11 Memorial Museum will preserve the story of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath and strive to re-inspire these acts of service,” said Joe Daniels, CEO of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

MyGoodDeed has unveiled a new Web site to support the observance, at http://911dayofservice.org, where individuals and groups can quickly post and share their planned good deeds and service activities for 9/11. The Web site also is an outstanding resource for learning about 9/11, with educational resources including photo and video archives, lesson plans, as well as a downloadable widget that enables individuals to post their 9/11 plans on any Facebook or Google page, Web site or blog. Individuals interested in finding volunteer opportunities in their area can simply search by zip code.

Individuals and organizations can also post and find 9/11 volunteer opportunities at http://serve.gov, and at http://volunteermatch.org. MyGoodDeed has even sent up a mobile texting resource. Individuals also can text 911day to 30644 to express their support for the observance and if desired obtain a volunteer opportunity to consider in their area.

Besides the Tribute event, MyGoodDeed and ServiceNation have been working together to organize service projects around the nation, including two projects in New York City area with the assistance of New York Cares. Those interested in volunteering on 9/11 in New York City can register at www.newyorkcares.org/volunteer/mygooddeed.

Tickets are free-of-charge and being distributed first to members of the 9/11 community and to volunteer service organizations and their members. A limited number of tickets also are being made available to the general public through a ticket lottery. Those interested in attending can register their request for tickets at http://911dayofservice.org/tribute. Those who do not have access to email or the Web can obtain a printed ticket registration request form by calling MyGoodDeed at 212-613-4979. Tickets may not be sold or transferred to others, and a government-issued photo ID matching registered names will be required at the door.