Twenty-three years have passed since the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Despite the horror and tragedy, one statement has become something for Americans to live by: Never Forget.
Today, 9/11 is known as Patriot Day. To honor those lost in the attacks the day has also become a national Day of Service, where organizations across the United States get together with volunteers to help local veterans and supporting community needs such as homelessness and hunger.
Michigan is no exception to this, with people all over committing to service projects.
Michigan's Community Service Commission, with the help of AmeriCorps, granted nearly $16,000 across 14 selected organizations to help fund their 9/11 Day of Service projects this week.
Two of the groups selected were Alpena's Boys and Girls Club and the Otsego United Way. Their service projects involved preparing and serving meals for veterans and seniors at risk of hunger.
In Traverse City, Peace Ranch had a dedicated clean-up day to help enhance the experience of veterans and others who go to the ranch for therapeutic riding experiences.
Jason Alexander is a representative with the Service Commission. He said the commission is proud to support organizations developing projects to give back to and help their communities.
"We depend on those local organizations to know what the needs are in those communities," Alexander told WCMU. "We encourage everybody to go out and find a way to serve."
The commission said over 3,000 people volunteered across Michigan, with nearly 10,000 total hours of community service.
