Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Memorialize Sept. 11 with a day of service

 Once the fog of national shock began to clear on this day six years ago, Americans' legendary desire to help kicked in. That spirit of volunteerism, service and giving, one of our nation's defining traits, was a bright spot on one of our history's darkest days.

As we struggle with how to memorialize the death, and the heroism, of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, what better way than to recapture that spirit by making Sept. 11 a national day of service?

It's so simple. So appropriate. So American.

An organization devoted to the idea, myGoodDeed Inc., was created in 2002. It's a nonprofit corporation that seeks to honor the memory of those who died in the 9/11 attacks, along with their family members, the survivors and the rescue and recovery workers who ran toward danger as others ran from it. It does so by encouraging individuals, employers and groups to perform good deeds during the week of Sept. 11 each year.

Pitching in, whether on a grand scale or through a simple, personal act, offers a meaningful way to counter the destructive, hateful nature of terrorism.

Some of the ideas on the myGoodDeed.org Web site include:

n Giving a pint of blood. (You could even consider becoming a regular donor — they're needed. To make an appointment with the Puget Sound Blood Center, call 1-800-398-7888 or visit www.psbc.org.)

n Donating used clothing or other usable items to an appropriate charity.

n Helping build homes through Habitat for Humanity (www.habitatsnohomish.org).

n Participating in National Disaster Preparedness Month. (Learn more at www.redcross.org.)

Americans are bound to feel a range of emotions each Sept. 11. Anger, sorrow, frustration and even a desire for retribution may bubble up. Channeling that energy in a positive direction, seizing on our predisposition to help others, is a tribute worthy of those who perished six years ago.

Just as the World War II generation continues to remember the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, younger generations should act to honor those made on Sept. 11, 2001.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA