Carmel, NY – With this Friday's September 11th marking the first federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover Plains) and Jay Winuk, co-founder of My Good Deed and a nationally recognized advocate of the 9/11 Day of Service, are encouraging Hudson Valley residents to engage in service and perform good deeds to honor the victims and those who rose to service. Congress authorized creation of an official September 11th as a Day of Service and Remembrance as part of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act (GIVE) Act, which was passed into law earlier this year.

The GIVE Act created a new national Call to Service campaign to encourage all Americans to get involved in service to their community.  This year's observance of September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance will be the first since the GIVE Act was signed into law, giving official recognition to the day. Congressman Hall will observe the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by engaging in service as well as attending 9/11 remembrance ceremonies. Hall's New York and Washington, DC offices will also be participating in service projects to honor the victims and those who rose to service on September 11th.

"The terrorists who attacked us on September 11, 2001 didn't take into account the indomitable American spirit," said Congressman Hall. "My most lasting image of that day is not the planes flying into buildings, or the World Trade Towers collapsing.  What I remember are the people, many of them firefighters, police officers and EMT's, ordinary men and women, doing everything in their power to help. I think of all the people who rushed downtown without regard to their own safety, determined to do what they could for others. They clearly demonstrated to our enemies that our spirit can never be broken and we are determined to confront any threat to our country's security. Each of us should take the anniversary of September 11th to perform good deeds honoring the victims as well as all of the Americans who rose to service and endured sacrifices on 9/11."

Putnam County resident Jay Winuk, co-founder of My Good Deed and a nationally recognized advocate for the creation of the official Day of Service, was instrumental in its creation and now encourages all Americans to participate.

"I will always remember 9/11 as the day that I lost my brother Glenn," Winuk said. "But I will also remember his sacrifice in service to others. As a volunteer firefighter, he ran into the South Tower to help those in need, instead of running for safety himself.  He inspired me to help start this campaign, just like so many stories of 9/11 have inspired others to give back to their communities."

"Organized service opportunities are available in all 50 states and across the world for those interested in giving back on 9/11, which is absolutely wonderful," said Winuk.  "But we believe that even a small gesture – a single good deed – is all it takes to make a difference.  Simply put, anyone who wants to give back on 9/11 or any day of the year can do so.  No deed is too small."

"Public service is a foundation of our country and an act that honors the memory of those lost on September 11th," Congressman Hall added. "I urge Hudson Valley residents to join me and my staff in participating in this wonderful new tradition. I was pleased to support it's inclusion in the GIVE Act, and glad we were able to officially recognize the good work that Jay and his group have been organizing."

 

Those interested in participating can go to http://www.serve.gov/ to learn more about opportunities in their communities. For more information about My Good Deed and the campaign for the 9/11 Day of Service, go to http://www.911dayofservice.org.

 

9:25 a.m.             Fishkill 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
                           Town of Fishkill Police Facility
                           (weather permitting it will be outside the building)
                           801 Route 52
                           Fishkill, NY 12524

12 p.m.               Westchester County 9/11 Ceremony
                           Westchester's September 11th Memorial
                           Kensico Dam Plaza
                           Valhalla, NY

2 p.m.                 Volunteering at Hudson Valley Food Pantry
                           195 Hudson Street
                           Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

4 p.m.                 Volunteering at Blood Drive in Memory of

                           1st Lieutenant Lou Allen
                           3 Maple Ave.
                           Chester, NY

5:30 p.m.            Orange County Patriot Day Ceremony
                           211 Route 416
                           Orange County Arboretum
                           Montgomery, NY

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