In 2002, 9/11 family members and support groups launched an effort to establish a charitable service day as a way to honor victims, survivors and the heroes who helped in the aftermath of the attacks. Congress designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009.
Each year, on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Americans across the country unite in service the same remarkable way that so many came together following the attacks.
Our 35 Virginia State Parks have always been a place for individuals and families to get back to nature and escape the turmoil of the modern world. This year all of our Virginia State Parks will be sites for Virginians to gather in public service on this National Day of Service and Remembrance on Tuesday, Sep. 11.
Leesylvania State Park will sponsor an event for visitors to make cards and donations for the Fort Belvoir Fisher House, a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. Twin Lakes State Park will be collecting cans and non-perishable food for local homeless shelters and initiatives.
Claytor Lake, Fairy Stone and Smith Mountain Lake state parks are hosting cove and lake cleanups via canoe. Caledon and Westmoreland state parks will be doing beach cleanups on the shoreline. New River Trail State Park combines the two activities by boating over to Baker Island and removing trash and debris.
Interested in volunteering on a regular basis at Pocahontas State Park? They will host a volunteer training event and park familiarization tour.
Other parks are offering trail and park cleanups and beautification projects. A complete listing of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance activities in our Virginia State Parks can be found by clicking here.
2011 National Day of Service and Remembrance
Tree Planting at Mason Neck State Park
