Veterans of the War on Terror Honor First Responders with 9/11 Service Tribute
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 03, 2013 -- Dozens of veterans of the war on terror and New York volunteers will observe the 12-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in service, paying tribute to first responders with community service projects to refresh grounds and buildings of FDNY training facilities in Manhattan and Queens on Mon., Sept. 9. The FDNY Randall’s Island and FDNY Fort Trotten revitalizations are two of six national service projects organized by the 9/11 Day Observance and led by The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit organization which helps veterans successfully transition to post-military lives through volunteerism. American Express and the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, provided major grants to fund the NYC project and five others around the nation in observance of 9/11 this year. New Jersey-based and Brooklyn-born paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore is donating all paint for the projects, as well as a team of employee volunteers.
“Veterans share a common bond with police, fire and emergency workers. Inspired by the selfless actions of that day, they continue to serve others and are focused on making their communities better places to live,” said The Mission Continues President Spencer Kympton. “With the support of local volunteers, the 9/11 Day Observance and our dedicated sponsors, we hope our service will underscore first responders’ critical role on 9/11 as well as the extraordinary contributions they continue to make in local communities every day.”
The 9/11 Day Observance, today the nation’s largest annual day of charitable service, was created in 2002 by the 9/11 nonprofit MyGoodDeed to pay tribute to the victims and those who rose in service in response to the attacks. In 2009, President Barack Obama joined with the U.S. Congress in formally establishing 9/11 under federal law as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Mission Continues has been the lead partner for 9/11 Day service projects since 2011.
“We are honored to be working with The Mission Continues and those who have served our nation so bravely to help lead the 9/11 Day service projects again this year,” said David Paine, president of the 9/11 Day Observance. “We urge all Americans to join with us in performing good deeds and other forms of service on 9/11 this year.”
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers at the FDNY Randall’s Island training facility will paint, landscape and spruce up common areas used by firefighters in training. The effort will be led by The Mission Continues fellows and alumni who have dedicated six months to volunteering with New York nonprofit organizations.
“September 11 is a symbolic day for our generation of veterans. For many of us, it is the event that inspired us to volunteer to defend our country,” said Erwin Reyna, a Mission Continues alumnus and retired U.S. Marine. “Working side-by-side with the community and our sponsors to honor first responders is a special way for me to continue to give back to my country beyond my military service.”
Each year, more than 35 million people participate in 9/11Day, dedicating time to helping others through charitable service, volunteerism and good deeds in observance of the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Individuals can learn more about 9/11 Day and get free toolkits and teaching resources at 911day.org.
With support from corporate sponsors including American Express, Corporation for National and Community Service, Target Corp, Benjamin Moore, Clear Channel, NYSE Euronext and Holland & Knight, the 9/11 Day Observance and The Mission Continues are hosting six service projects with local partners in five cities. Aside from New York, other locations include:
• Dallas
• Phoenix
• St. Louis
• Washington, D.C.
The public is invited to learn more about these projects and explore volunteer opportunities at http://www.missioncontinues.org/911dayofservice or http://www.911day.org/volunteer.
About The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a national nonprofit organization that supports U.S. military veterans, who have served since the events of 9/11, to successfully transition to post-military careers by reconnecting to their communities and their sense of purpose through volunteerism. Founded in 2007 by retired Navy SEAL and TIME 100 2013 honoree Eric Greitens, The Mission Continues has helped nearly 700 post-9/11 veterans focus their talents and energy to tackle challenges facing us right here at home. Through a unique model that provides reciprocal benefit for the veteran and the local community—six-month service fellowships—veterans volunteer to help others and, through their service, build new skills that help them launch their civilian career. For more information, please visit http://www.missioncontinues.org or follow us on Twitter @missioncontinue.
About The 9/11 Day Observance
The 9/11 Day Observance is organized each year by the nonprofit group MyGoodDeed, established in 2002 to create a permanent and constructive way to forever pay tribute to the victims of 9/11, and those who rose in service in response to the 9/11 attacks. Today, 9/11 is the nation’s largest annual day of charitable service, with more than 35 million Americans dedicating time on 9/11 to helping others in need through good deeds, volunteering and charitable giving. To join the 9/11 Day Observance, which is free, visit 911day.org today and make your pledge to do a good deed.
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Laura L'Esperance, The Mission Continues, +1 (212) 430-6549, [email protected]
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