More than 60 Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries will host National Day of Service events Sept. 11.
The nationwide events will honor the veterans, service members, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders who served and sacrificed for the nation on Sept. 11, 2001 and in the 22 years since, according to a VA release.
Anyone can participate in the events. Volunteers will clean headstones and participate in other beautification activities at VA national cemeteries.
“On 9/11, we encourage all Americans to join us at one of our national cemeteries to volunteer and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes,” Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn said in a statement.
Terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001 and flew them into the World Trade Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks.
“By volunteering on this day of service, by cleaning a headstone and saying their names, we tell these heroes our nation has not forgotten all they sacrificed for us,” added Quinn.
The NCA is partnering with Carry The Load to put on the event.
To learn more and view a list of participating cemeteries and start times, visit here. Volunteers may register here.
Cleaning supplies and other materials will be provided, and there is no cost to participate.
Family members and friends can also post tributes to veterans interred at VA national cemeteries or in VA grant-funded state, territorial, or Tribal Veteran cemeteries by visiting here.