ST. LOUIS – Today marks 24 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks that changed America forever.
September 11th is now Patriot Day—a national day of service and remembrance.
Across the St. Louis area, hundreds of volunteers are honoring the day through service. More than 160 volunteers fanned out across Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, cleaning headstones and beautifying the grounds.
“You only die twice: once if you’re killed and the second when your name is no longer mentioned. So we ask our volunteers when they are cleaning today to say the names out loud of each tombstone that they are cleaning,” said Sandy Wirtz.
The event is part of Carry the Load’s National Patriot Day effort, taking place at nearly 70 National Cemeteries across the country.
“It is extremely important for two reasons: one, to instill the spirit of volunteerism throughout America and two, to instill the preservation of our veterans and our loved ones,” said Sonny Peppers.
Meanwhile, at Chaifetz Arena, more than 1,200 volunteers teamed up with the St. Louis Area Foodbank, packing up to 340,000 meals for families in need.
“We knew our lives would never be the same, turning that day of tragedy into a day of hope. We saw kindness, we saw love on 9-12 Strangers looking at one another for the first time people putting aside differences, and that is what we have here at the area each and every year and we are proud to be apart of this,” said Meredith Knopp.
Organizers say both projects honor the lives lost on 9/11, while giving communities a way to come together and serve.
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