Sept. 11, 2001 was one of the most fateful days in recent history for the U.S. On that date, the terrorist group al-Qaeda launched a series of four coordinated attacks on American soil. Per statistics from CNN, the attacks ended the lives of 2,977 people in Washington, DC, New York City and an area near Shanksville, PA. Additionally, more than 6,000 others were injured during the event. 9/11 was also noted as the deadliest day for first responders, as 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers lost their lives trying to help others.
The event drastically affected the nation, directly leading to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and a $40 billion anti-terrorism package. But 9/11's effects weren't just of a macro size. Many individuals were directly affected, and communities both big and small came together to honor the dead and celebrate those who rushed to provide aid to others.
Those celebrations continue across the country to this day. Cities big and small are holding charity walks, dinners and similar events to raise money for first responders in the name of that fateful day.
Rock Island, IL, holding a walk to remember
The Rock Island military community is sponsoring a walk to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks, according to the Quad-City Times. Each participant will hold a flag representing the life of a civilian, first responder or servicemember who died that day. They will walk 2.5 miles to a Field of Honor, where they will place the flags.
"It is our sincere desire that this remembrance walk evokes a new sense of re-commitment to the task at hand," said a news release.
Pasadena, TX, raises funds for first responders
According to The Houston Chronicle, the city of Pasadena is holding its own fundraiser to benefit local first responders. The event includes singing and music performances from police and firefighters, plus a 9/11 reenactment by actors from the Pasadena Little Theater. Eight performers will portray the 26 characters in the docudrama "110 stories."
"I had been looking for something to do around 9/11 to pay tribute to first responders," said Gregory R. Brown, treasurer of the theater, to The Houston Chronicle. "Last December, I visited the (911 Memorial and Museum in New York City), and I found this script online in January. I was so moved that I brought it to the board in the hopes of presenting it as a way to give back to the first responders in the community we are a part of."
Ticket proceeds will go to the Pasadena Citizen Police Academy Alumni and the Pasadena Volunteer Fireman's Association.
The Travis Manion Foundation sponsors 9/11 Heroes Runs
Runners and walkers across the nation have organized 9/11 Heroes Runs in the name of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, a young man who was killed in action during his tour in Iraq. Manion's unit was ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house, and Manion bravely sacrificed himself drawing enemy fire. His strength of character allowed the rest of his unit to survive. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor, and his actions (and friendship with another servicemember) were memorialized in the book "Brothers Forever."
The first 9/11 Heroes Run was a small memorial created by the Travis Manion Foundation, but it quickly spread into a nationwide event. Runs are currently scheduled in areas such as Houston, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, San Diego and more.
Remembering 9/11
These are just a small selection of the various memorial events taking place across the country this September. Given the severity of the 9/11 attacks and the effects they had on the nation, it's safe to say that such services will continue for years to come.
