Gov Inslee Proclaims Sept 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

OLYMPIA--Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed Sept. 11, 2023 a Day of National Service and Remembrance in Washingon. 

In 2009, Congress enacted the Serve America Act, designating Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service. It followed years of informal community remembrance events and volunteer projects families of those directly impacted by the 2001 terrorist attacks. AmeriCorps joined families and first responders asking lawmakers for the National Day of Service designation. The Serve America Act encourages everyone in America to enage in an act of service that day. The proclamation encourages Washingtonians to particpate in this national effort.

Proclamation full text:

The State of Washington Proclamation

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the American people endured the worst attack on U.S. soil in our nation's history with courage and heroism; and

WHEREAS, in response to this tragedy, Americans united to embrace each other's humanity, grieve together, take care of one another, and to do the hard work of rebuilding and uplifting neighborhood by neighborhood; and 

WHEREAS, in 2002, family members of those killed and injured on 9/11 joined with first responders and others to create "9/11 Day" to encourage Americans to always remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks through acts of service and volunteerism, and to keep our promise to "Never Forget;" and 

WHEREAS, on April 21, 2009, Congress enacted the Serve America Act into law, recognizing September 11th as an annual "National Day of Service and Remembrance" and charged the AmeriCorps agency with leading this nationwide effort; and 

WHEREAS, on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, it is fitting to pay tribute to the strength and resilience of the American people through service to our nation and local communities; and 

WHEREAS, by serving on this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor all those who died and were injured, pay tribute to those who responded in service and compassion, and recognize those who continue to serve our country, including active duty and reserve soldiers and their families, veterans, and first responders; and 

WHEREAS, September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance activities are being organized by a variety of nonprofits, faith-based and community groups, public agencies, educational institutions, private businesses, and other organizations and individuals across the nation; and 

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2023, all Washingtonians are encouraged to honor the fallen and commemorate the continued American spirit of resilience through service; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2023, as a

Day of Service and Remembrance 

and I urge all poeple in our state to join me in this special observance

Signed this 5th day of September, 2023