Mike Parker: 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance set for Sept. 10-11

Many of us remember the horror of September 11, 2001. We watched in disbelief as the news coverage of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history that claimed the lives of 2,977 people unfolded.

Two planes, hijacked by Islamic jihadists vowing death to all Americans, plowed into both towers at the World Trade Center in New York. Another plane was flown into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A fourth plane, presumably headed for the White House or the U.S. Capitol, was heroically diverted by passengers and ended up crashing in an empty field in Pennsylvania. After reports of the first plane hitting the North Tower, millions watched the second plane hit the South Tower on live television.

The terrifying, startling, and humbling 9/11 attacks were the deadliest on American soil since the shock attack of Pearl Harbor 60 years before. The nation’s sense of outrage was reminiscent of that moment that brought the United States into World War II. 

In the quarter-century since these attacks, select groups have worked to make sure that 9/11 does not get lost in the shuffle of life. One example of their efforts will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, at Historic Grainger Stadium.

The purpose of the AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Program is to mobilize more Americans to engage in service and remembrance activities that meet community needs while participating in activities honoring the sacrifice of those who lost their lives or family members on September 11, 2001, as well as those who rose in service because of that tragedy.

Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks led the effort to pay fitting tribute to honor their loved ones and those who volunteered to serve our country in response to the tragedy. The leadership and efforts of these family members resulted in the legislative establishment of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance in April of 2009. AmeriCorps was charged with supporting this effort across the country.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering.

Greene Lamp engages the community and recruits volunteers to participate not only in the AmeriCorps 9/11 National Day of Service, but in several service projects throughout the year to address the needs of the citizens of Beaufort, Greene, Lenoir, and Pitt counties, respectively.

The projects focus on the following areas of service: helping individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters; improve educational outcomes for underserved youth, including youth engagement and service learning; supporting health needs in the communities served; and assisting with improving the quality of life for veterans and the senior population.

This year’s “Day of Remembrance” will span two days. On Friday, September 11, AMVETS Post 111, Lenoir County Emergency Services, and Greene Lamp Community Action will combine forces to present the 25th 9/11 anniversary Memorial Service. The service will begin at 9 a.m. at Grainger Stadium, located at 400 E. Grainger Avenue. Refreshments and fans will be provided.

On Thursday, September 10, the 2026 Day of Service and Remembrance will focus on the theme “Unity in Community.” The special day will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Grainger Stadium. The event will offer free food and entertainment for all ages. More than 40 vendors will also be present for the festivities.

Greene Lamp is actively recruiting AmeriCorps volunteers who are committed to making a change in their community and the world around them. All AmeriCorps volunteers will be trained and matched with service projects based on their interest and skill set.

If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up for our volunteer pool by clicking the link, or contact us at 252-620-1883 or 252-523-7770 ext. 329 or 101 for more information.

Let’s pool our efforts to put “Unity in Community” as we honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.