9/11 National Day of Service Observed

In a display of unity and compassion, nearly 1,200 volunteers gathered in Park City, Utah, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, for a community-wide day of service.

The event was held in honor of the national 9/11 Day of Service, also known as Patriot Day. This nationwide initiative encourages Americans to serve others in tribute to those lost and affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

The large-scale effort was made possible through the collaboration of local organizations, community leaders, and JustServe.org — a platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects volunteers with local service opportunities.

Karen Marriott, one of the event organizers, shared the inspiration behind the initiative.

“We learned about the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and thought, ‘We can do that in Park City,’” she said.

What began as a grassroots effort has grown. The first event in 2024 drew 900 volunteers. This year, nearly 1,200 participants worked hand in hand on 36 different service projects throughout the city.

From environmental cleanup efforts to community beautification and support for local nonprofits, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds came together to serve.

Some volunteers, who spent the morning clearing debris from the area known as Poison Creek, reflected on the deeper meaning of the day.

“Service is a way to step outside yourself,” one person said. “It brings out the best in people and creates a sense of joy and unity.”

The spirit of cooperation and love was evident everywhere. Organizers expressed gratitude for the many partners and individuals who made the day possible, emphasizing that such efforts not only honor the past but also inspire hope for the future.

Vicky Plumb, another organizer, summarized the event’s impact. “I learned that we live in a community just full of outstanding, wonderful people,” she said. “It’s gone from our [nongovernmental organizations] down to the everyday person wanting to be a part of the community. And that’s what we wanted. And now we’re going in to serve Park City every day, not just on 9/11.”

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Similar events are held across the United States, fostering unity among communities as they come together in service to support those in need.