What Are You Doing To Remember?

This is a day we all remember, will never forget, and never want repeated. All of us remember where we were when we heard that the first plane hit the North Tower. The lives of too many were cut short that day and as we remember them today, let us do something to show our remembrance.

On April 21, 2009 President Barack Obama signed federal legislation that for the first time officially recognizes September 11 as a federally observed National Day of Service and Rememberance. I don't think this movement has been advertised or marketed to its full potential, so I am taking it upon myself to promote it.

The mission of the National Day of Service and Rememberance is to honor the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging all Americans and others throughout the world to pledge to voluntarily perform at least one good deed, or another service activity on 9/11 each year. By doing this, we will create a legacy of service that unifies us and the world.

So how does it work? It really couldn't be more simple. Just set aside a little time today to perform a good deed that helps someone else who may need assistance, or to support a cause that you care about. Once you've decided what to do, log onto http://911dayofservice.org/ and share your plans with the world. Your plan could inspire another person's plan or you may just find inspiration in a current plan. Either way, the idea is to do something in the same spirit that brought millions of Americans in the wake of 9/11.

Can't think of anything to do on such short notice? So many people have posted great ideas, but if you don't find inspiration in any of them, click on the "Things You Can Do Right Now" link. Maybe you can donate blood. I can't because there isn't a pet blood bank around here that I'm aware of. Perhaps I could start a one.

You could drop some food off at a local food bank. There are more people using food banks now than ever before. Even pets are in need these days, so don't forget about food for them. How about donating some gently used clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill? What about cleaning up a local park? Dropping off used books at the library?

Making an online donation to one of your favorite charities is another great thing to do today. I know that everyone has several charities they donate to but by making a special donation today and every September 11, your donation have additional significance.

I love the 9/11 Commemorative Tribute Pin that you can get with a donation of $9.11 or more. By wearing this pin you tell the world that you have performed your good deed for 9/11. With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just two years away, the vision of MyGoodDeed is to organize the single largest day of service in U.S. history in honor of the victims and those who rose in service.

So what am I doing today? Dad is in Miami on business and Mom is at the zoo doing her good deed. Mom won't tell me what she has planned for my good deed, so I will just have to wait and wonder. Whatever she tells me to do I will do. I will remember those who lost their lives, reflect on the wonders of those who served, and inspire those who can and will serve. Please spread the word about National Day of Service and Rememberance because a thousand voices are better than one.