Friday, September 4, 2009
Press Conference
National Day of Service and Remembrance
Thank you all for coming.
None of us really need to be reminded what happened in September of 2001. Those were tragic days that inspired Americans to come together in a remarkable spirit of unity and compassion.
And while the date of 9-11 is forever etched in the minds of us all – let me tell you what happened in April of 2009:
President Barack Obama signed “The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act” which, for the very first time, officially recognizes September 11th as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”
And that is a truly American response to tragedy – yes, to pause and reflect on what we lost on that day – but also to look toward the future. To come together as a nation -- once again -- to do good things for America.
And that’s what the National Day of Service is all about.
Phoenix, of course, will participate fully – as we always do. I am proud to point out that Phoenix has always been committed to volunteerism -- to service – to giving back and to helping others.
From the very beginning, we turned our King Holiday into “A Day on, not a Day off.” And also from the very beginning, we designated our Holiday honoring Cesar Chavez as a “Day of Service to the Community.”
And every day, Phoenix residents serve this city by volunteering their time with just about every City Department: Library, Sky Harbor, Parks and Recreation. With our COPS volunteer program alone, more than 200 Police Officers and employees donate over $600,000 in time annually for crisis outreach, missing persons, cold-case homicide and motorist assistance. Every year.
And, by the way, to volunteer your own time, you can always visit our website at “Phoenix.gov”.
So the City is very active throughout the year. But so are so many others –including HandsOn Phoenix and AARP that are both represented here today.
Which brings us to the reason we’ve gathered today – as we look ahead to next Friday – the 8th anniversary of the attacks on America.
I have issued a Proclamation – and am calling upon the residents of Phoenix to join me next Friday as we “Remember and Serve”. For my own part, after remembering those who lost their lives at a Memorial Service, I’ll be planting trees and painting buildings. Visiting with Veterans and serving up some Barbeque. And I’ll run into thousands of others along the way who are helping to make America just a little stronger than it was the day before.
And that is a VERY appropriate way to honor the victims – and their families – this year, and every year to follow.