Governor Proclaims National Day of Service and Remembrance 2021

WHEREAS, twenty years ago on September 11, 2001, the lives of nearly 3,000 men, women, and children were lost in the worst terrorist attack on United States soil in our nation’s history; and

WHEREAS, in our darkest hour, the American people, such as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders, responded to this violence with heroic acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion; and

WHEREAS, in the months following the attacks, people across the United States volunteered to help support the rescue and recovery efforts contributing to our healing as a nation; on the 20^th anniversary we are recommitted to this spirit of unity and service; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina's need for volunteers only increased since this pandemic started with more volunteers needed at food banks, in healthcare, education, aging support, disaster relief, environmental organizations and more; and

WHEREAS, VolunteerNC and the State Employees Combined Campaign along with their nonprofit partners are helping to match state employees and others willing to give of ourselves in service with organizations who need volunteers to serve both in-person and virtually; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress enacted the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (Public Law 111-13) on April 21, 2009, requesting the observance of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance; and

WHEREAS, serving as a 9/11 volunteer provides a chance to help others in tribute to those who were killed and injured on September 11, 2001, to honor our first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to observe September 11 by volunteering time and labor in service to our neighbors, communities, and fellow Americans;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2021, as “NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBERANCE” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.