For Immediate Release

Holyoke, MA (September 11, 2009) This year commemorates the first September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 inspired Americans to come together in a remarkable spirit of unity and compassion. Eight years later, September 11 continues to evoke strong emotion and is an homage to sacrifice and a call to action.

In April, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which, for the first time, officially recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This year, on September 11, the President, the Corporation for National and Community Service, MyGoodDeed and the 9/11 families ask all Americans to remember and recommit to participate in their communities. President Obama stated, “No force for change is more powerful than that of Americans who are making a difference in their communities.”

The Obama administration encourages Americans everywhere to get involved in their communities. Girls Incorporated of Holyokeand Girls Inc.’s around the country responded to this call to action.

On August 24^th teen participants ages 12-17 led a cleanup of Chestnut Park in Holyoke. Teens discussed the need for community service and its importance and decided to work in a park in Holyoke that was important to them and needed attention. The service project was completed during the last week of an 8-week summer camp program and was in many ways a culminating event for their entire summer experience. 

When asked what community service was, one Girls Inc. of Holyoke participant responded, “It is when you help your city.”

The greatest lesson learned during the event was the importance of feeling safe in their community and claiming their space in an area that they may not have felt comfortable in prior to their participation in the day of service.

To learn more about the National Day of Service and Remembrance visit: http://serve.gov/.

To download the press release, please click here.