UNITED STATES GEARS UP FOR 9/11 WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE
As the 13th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the media and social media are focusing on the day.
Stories such as USA Today’s “NYC Bridges make Tempting Terror Targets” and news of the US State’s Department's release of the anti-ISIS “Think Again, Turn Away” social media campaign are alarming some; however, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce told CNN that the US has no “information about credible planning for an attack” on 9/11. While September 11 and the word “terrorism” are forever intertwined in American History, many journalists and people are choosing to use the anniversary to remember the victims of the attacks.
This Trending News Monday, we’re bringing you stories from the week of remembrance.
National Day of Service and Remembrance
Since 2002, the United states has recognized September 11 as Patriot Day or 9/11 Day. While 9/11 is a day of remembrance, Patriot Day focuses on honoring those who died in the attacks by coming together for a day of service. MyGoodDeed, a nonprofit that began the day of service, has been leading a social media campaign to encourage people to join the 9/11 observance.
The tribute has been successful in years past, and now, according to Forbes, “the National Day of Service has grown to become the country’s largest annual day of charitable service.” Last year, 47 million people observed September 11 by performing community service. The specific charity or service that a person donates time or money to is completely at will; the goal is simply for people to come together to work for a greater good, mirroring the behavior of many of those who died in the attacks.
For more information on how to get involved in 9/11 day, click here.
Washington Leads the 9/11 Memorials
While Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, Washington will certainly honor the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Thursday morning, President Obama will lead a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House before attending the annual September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial with the first lady.
Nationwide, by presidential decree, the American Flag will fly at half-staff at all government buildings.
While schools and business remain open on September 11, several memorial ceremonies for the victims are set to take place throughout the country including the Flight 93 National Memorial. Additionally, The Municipal Art Society of New York has set up the 9/11 Tribute in Night, and some observers began paying respects to the memory of 9/11 on social media sites such as Instagram.
The country will recognize a national moment of silence on September 11 at 8:46 AM (ET).
Cover Photo Source: Songquan Deng
