Since 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day has honored those lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. They do this through public service. Each year, millions of Americans volunteer and do kind acts to mark the anniversary.
This year, as the country marks 25 years since 9/11, the nonprofit aims for one million good deeds by September 11. They work with many partners to help people get involved.
Planting Trees for Remembrance
One special project is "Together We Grow," a new effort with One Tree Planted.
The initiative started on September 9. A 15-foot willow oak tree was planted in Battery Park in New York City. This happened at the Labyrinth of Contemplation, a space honoring the attack victims.
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Start Your News DetoxRepresentatives from 9/11 Day, One Tree Planted, The Battery Conservancy, and AmeriCorps joined community members. Families of those lost also helped restore the gathering space. Most of The Battery had been closed for waterfront restoration. This event was one of the first in the newly reopened area.
A press release said the event let people "reflect on the resilience and survival that have defined New York since 9/11." It was a chance to "remember, connect, and leave something good behind."
After the September 9 planting, a year-long campaign will plant 3,000 new trees nationwide. These trees will honor the 2,977 victims of 9/11.
One Tree Planted, AmeriCorps, and 9/11 Day will support communities involved in this project.
A Symbol of Hope and Growth
Hank Lynch, president and CEO of One Tree Planted, noted that 25 years later, people still find ways to remember. "A tree is a simple but powerful symbol of that remembrance," Lynch said. "It gives us a chance to honor the past while doing something good for the future."
Lynch added that "Together We Grow" is about coming together. It's about caring for shared spaces and creating something living that can grow for generations.
One Tree Planted offers service opportunities beyond 9/11 Day. They work with companies to support reforestation in the U.S. and other countries. Anyone can also plant a memorial tree for $10 to remember someone they've lost.
A press release stated, "Each tree becomes part of something larger: a living reminder that even in the face of profound loss, we can continue to care for one another, care for the places we call home, and help something new take root." This idea holds true for remembering those lost on 9/11.
Jay Winuk, executive vice president and co-founder at 9/11 Day, and a 9/11 family member, shared his thoughts. "On 9/11 Day, we come together to honor those we lost by caring for one another and the communities we call home," Winuk said. "Together We Grow is a beautiful example of how service can bring people together, create connection and turn remembrance into something positive and lasting."
