More than 500 people gathered on Wednesday morning in Denver to give back to their community on a day etched in the minds of all Americans, the anniversary of 9/11.
The memory of the 2001 terrorist attacks, which claimed over 3,000 lives, has evolved into a National Day of Service. Now, millions of Americans participate in various community service projects on the day.
Stephen Popper, head of Meals of Hope, a nonprofit focused on alleviating hunger across the country, led efforts in 21 different cities on this National Day of Service, a concept first launched after 9/11 by New Yorkers directly affected by the attacks.
"They figured the best way to do that is take what really was a horrible experience and change it into something that is really a day of service, a day of good," said Popper.
Hunger remains a significant issue in America, as illustrated by sobering statistics. According to Feeding America, 47 million Americans are food insecure, including one in five children. In 2022 alone, 49 million people relied on food programs. The meals prepared during the event will be distributed by the Food Bank of the Rockies later this week.
"The Food Bank of the Rockies has continued to see an elevation in need over the last several years due to inflation, overall cost of living and how much more expensive it is to buy groceries and feed one's family," said Erin Pulling, the food bank's CEO.
Some volunteers had personal connections to 9/11. Eric Clayman, who was living in New York City on the day of the attacks, shared how the helplessness he felt that day turned into a lifelong inspiration.
"I was sitting in the park reading a newspaper before going to work and this loud plane flew over my head, and I looked up and I watched it fly into the World Trade Center. I don't want that day to be remembered as a tragedy. I want it to be remembered as a day that brings this country together and brings out the best in us," said Eric.
Another volunteer, Alexa Fetch, reflected on her connection to 9/11.
"I grew up with seeing it on the news and so it's really something that I wanted to be a part of. Ironically, my mom's even here from her company so both my mom and I picked this as our volunteer days just to come and help out for 9/11," said Alexa.
For many in the room, 9/11 felt deeply personal.
"It's like the world stopped and we all took care of each other and everybody was just there for each other and listening to each other's stories," said Dani Rice, a volunteer.
Twenty-three years later, 9/11 has, in some ways, become a celebration -- of teamwork, unity, and the opportunity to turn a terrible event into something good.
Americans mark anniversary of 9/11 with Day of Service
