House Passes Matsui/King Legislation Honoring 9/11 As National Day of Service and Remembrance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
CONTACT: Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163
House Passes Matsui/King Legislation Honoring 9/11 As National Day of Service and Remembrance
Bi-Partisan Resolution Encourages Americans To Participate In Community Service Activities Across The Country
"On September 11th, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and pay tribute to the brave men and women who rose to service in a heroic attempt to protect the lives of those still at risk," said Congresswoman Matsui, Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus. "Across the nation, thousands of first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and volunteers who helped others in their time of need, embody the spirit of service and compassion that makes our nation great. This year we will honor them not only by remembering their heroism, but by recommitting ourselves to bettering our communities and our country."
"The terrorist attacks of 9/11 are some of the deadliest and most horrific events our nation has ever seen, yet in the midst of that tragedy our nation came together - stronger than ever before," said King. "By making 9/11 a national day of service, Americans can unite as they did eight years ago in the spirit and memory of the heroes and victims lost in these tragic attacks."
The Senator Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that was passed by both Houses of Congress and signed into law by President Obama earlier this year, laid the groundwork for September 11th to become a national day not just of remembrance, but also of service. The Matsui/King resolution passed today, in combination with the national activities Members of Congress are planning in coordination with the White House, the Corporation for National and Community Service, non-profit organizations and many 9/11 families, are designed to encourage Americans to take part in projects to strengthen in their communities - in every corner of every state in the country.
"For many years, Representatives Doris Matsui and Peter King have been two of our strongest supporters of the 9/11 National Day of Service, and without their help, vision and leadership, creating this wonderful, forward-looking legacy would not have been possible," said David Paine, President and Founder of MyGoodDeed.org, the nonprofit group that championed the effort to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance initiative. "We fully support and welcome their bi-partisan call for all Americans to observe 9/11 this year by engaging in volunteerism, good deeds, and other forms of charitable service."
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"We thank Representatives Doris Matsui and Peter King for leading this bipartisan effort to call on Americans to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 through service to others," said Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "This resolution adds to the growing momentum for the first official 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and we hope Americans across the country will answer this call by serving on 9/11 and making an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year."
"Hands On Sacramento invites Sacramentans to join others across the United States in honoring the memory of our fallen heroes by volunteering to help others on September 11th, the nation's first National Day of Service and Remembrance " said Nancy Findeisen, President/CEO of the Community Services Planning Council. "Help a child, spruce up a park, or find another way to serve through the Hands On Sacramento website, www.handsonsacto.org."
Congresswoman Matsui encourages Sacramentans to join her and her staff in participating in 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance service opportunities this Friday. To find out more about volunteer events in the Sacramento area, please visit Hands on Sacramento's website: www.handsonsacramento.org
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