A Common Purpose And Devotion

Like many Americans, I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the towers falling on 9/11. I was a young kid in a History classroom, learning about World War 1, trying to jot down all the notes I could to keep myself from falling asleep on that cold September morning, when – unbeknownst to me – a relative of mine was dying in the Twin Towers.

The teachers refused to tell us what was going on, but we knew something was up. Students were trickling out during the day and all the adults had some heavy heartache in their faces. When I found out, I just wanted to give back. I wanted to do something to help. Being so young, my hands were tied. All I could really do was mourn.

Even today, I want to give back as much as I can. So, to me, it’s interesting to hear the date 9/11 reevaluated as a day of service, rather than a day of mourning. Volunteers across the country are working at homeless shelters, food banks and other charitable organizations to fulfill the sense of brotherhood that Americans felt after the 9/11 attacks.

If you can, volunteer. If you can’t, at least do something nice for those around you. It’s about time.

Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and more service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation’s history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.

-Barack Obama

Posted by:

Steve Romain