11 Ways To Honor 9/11 From Harlem To Hollywood

September 11, 2001 will always be a tragic day in American history from Harlem to Hollywood, but in the years since the attacks, it has become a day to honor the victims and survivors by doing good.

We’ve proven as a country, that good things can come after disaster. It’s been years since that tragic September day, so here are 11 ways we can honor the victims of 9/11:

1. Volunteer

One of the biggest ways you can honor those whose lives were lost on that tragic day, is to serve your fellow-man or woman. Go out of your way and look for ways in which you can serve. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen. Read a patriotic book to children at the library. Help out in your son or daughter’s first grade class. The possibilities are endless and are only limited by your imagination. Volunteer to serve! Even the smallest act of service is a way to honor those we lost on 9/11. Pledge to perform a good deed at www.911day.org.

2. Attend A Memorial

New York, all have memorials that allow the public to reflect on the events of September 11th, and pay tribute to the many lives which were lost. If you are going to be far from these memorials, there is a very good chance there is a commemoration of some kind in your vicinity. A quick Google search should lead you to an event in your area.

3. Write A List Of Things In Which You’re Thankful

This Patriot day, give thanks and show gratitude! One of the easiest ways you can do this is to write a list of all the things you are thankful for. Be thankful that you live in the greatest country in the world; and be thankful for all the people around you. Be thankful for the blessings you have in your life, and remember that many of these blessing would not be afforded to you if it wasn’t for the sacrifices of so many.

4. Donate Blood

After the September 11th attacks, the blood supply at the Red Cross was at an all time high. So many Americans waited in long lines to donate. Today, however, the Red Cross’ national blood supply has reached a 15 year low. This Patriot Day, going to your local Harlem blood bank and donating is among the most important contributions you can make to your community.

5. Thank A Serviceperson And/Or A Troop

Taking some time to thank your FDNY firefighters and NYPD police officers speaks volumes, as they were some of the first responders that tragic September day. Many of the 3,000 lives that were lost that day were in fact firefighters and police officers. These men and women acted as heroes; and still do today. Say thank you. Give them a wave and a smile. Write a letter to our troops, basically thanking our soldiers for answering the call to duty… Just like the first responders did on 9/11. It is very uplifting for the soldiers to hear stories about people back in the US that are going out of their way to support them; both at home and while they are forward deployed. Men and women overseas take comfort in knowing people like you are thinking about them. It’s the people writing letters that keep our troops motivated and proud to serve our country. Learn more about writing letters to the troops at: www.amillionthanks.org

6. Take A CPR Class

I’m not at all trying to compare any act that you and I could ever do, to the acts of those brave men and women who lost their lives trying to save the victims of the terrorist attacks. What I am saying, is that if and when any sort a tragedy strikes, prepare yourself to save the life of someone else. Learn CPR. Along the same lines as donating blood, learning CPR is a very important contribution that you can offer to your community.

7. Fly The Flag

Honor those who lost their lives on September 11th by flying Old Glory! It’s American. It’s patriotic. It shows love and support for your country. Don’t have a flag pole? Change your profile picture on Facebook to that of an American flag.

8. Plant A Tree

I know that planting a tree might seem cliché, but doing so is a traditional way to celebrate life…Something that should be done to remember lives lost. Not up to planting a tree, tie yellow ribbons around the trees in your neighborhood. For more information on the plant a tree movement, check out:www.plantatreeusa.com

9. Tell Your Loved Ones How Much They Are Loved

We all know that we need to tell those who are precious to us that we love them more often; why not today. September 11th is one of those days where emotions run high; and tender moments are felt. Share these feelings and moments with loved ones. Hug your kids tight. Call a family member.

10. Celebrate The Little Moments

This September 11th, slow down. Appreciate all that is around you. Pay close attention to the little things; like your daughter looking at you, your son laughing at his cartoons, and your spouse slurping their breakfast cereal. These little moments are precious, and may not exist if it weren’t for the sacrifices of so many.

11. Reflect

Years have passed since the attacks on our Country, we all still remember that tragic September day. Most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the horrible news. I was waiting in line at a bank drive thru, on my way to my freshman chemistry class, when I turned on the radio and was shocked to hear two planes had crashed into each of the World Trade Center buildings; and additional planes had crashed into a Pennsylvania field and the Pentagon building respectively. Many of us can still close our eyes, and remember in almost near perfect detail, those painful moments when grief somberly crashed over us like a tidal wave. Americans all over the world held each other tight, seeking the assurance that the country we knew and loved wasn’t collapsing under our feet. Our memories will always be fresh, along with our sympathy for the victims and their families. Take some time to remember and reflect on the events of that day; and the people and first responders whose lives were lost.

We Will Never Forget

For all of us here at Harlem World Magazine, we will never forget those innocent people, whose lives were lost like Harlemite Clyde Frazier Jr. and all those we did not know on September 11th, 2001. We are grateful for the opportunities afforded to us in this country, and are grateful to those who continue to defend it against any further acts of terror.

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