It’s been 16 years since the attacks of September 11th, 2001. But for many Americans, lasting memories of that terrible day are still very present and that day changed the lives of many forever. What started off as a normal, clear sky day ended in tragedy as terrorists hijacked four planes and crashed two of them into the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York and into the Pentagon. The remaining jet crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers overpowered the hijackers. By the end of it all, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, a day that will always have a mark on it throughout history for the United States.
It’s hard to believe September 11th happened over a decade ago and Aaron Blake of Washington Post sad that one-quarter of Americans were too young to remember it but that does not mean we should forget about it. This was a horrible attack against our country and while our country was distraught for a while, we also bonded together as a nation to help those you were affected by the tragedy. Firefighters and policemen from all over the country made their way to New York to help with search and rescue and also rebuilding. Citizens who were once strangers were offering up their homes as refuge for people and also collecting and donating much needed items. Widows and Widowers found comfort with one another, being able to share in the love of their loved ones to help ease the pain.
If there’s one thing you can say about our country, we really come together when there is a threat. People open their doors, their hearts and give their time to help others in need. And to this day, there are still people raising money and helping support people and causes that arose from 9/11. If you are looking to give back, looking at these 7 non-profit organizations that deserve your support:
1. The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation – Michael was a firefighter who lost his life in the World Trade Center. This foundation grants educational scholarships to the children of firefighters and other victims of the attacks.
2. Tuesday’s Children – This was initially founded to help children who had lost a parent in 9/11 but since then it has expanded to help families who endure traumatic events. Their programs include everything from widow/widower support and youth mentoring.
3. H.E.A.R.T. 9/11 – This organization is made up of volunteers from the PAPD, NYPD and the FDNY who travel around the world to help communities in times of crisis.
4. New York Says Thank You Foundation – This is a “pay it forward” organization that sends volunteers around the country to help with disaster relief.
5. VOICES of September 11th – This group addresses the long-term needs of 9/11 survivors and victims’ families and also works to improve responses to other crises.
6. 9/11 Day – The non-profit MyGoodDeed created a law that designated 9/11 a Day of Service and Remembrance.
7. Wounded Warrior Project – This organization helps any veteran who was severely injured after September 11th 2001. The project aids veterans and their families, helping with PTSD and career coaching.
September 11th 2001 will be a date many of us will always remember and for the future generations, something we will teach them about. How our country went through a terrible tragedy and came together to rebuild.