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9/11 day observance. Barack Obama, fireman, and woman in food bank packing a box

The inestimably horrific day we know by the shorthand 9/11 is no easier to reconcile 10 years later. We lost many lives that day, and we lost a more open, trusting and fearless way of life. But 9/11 also wrought, somehow, one of the most spontaneous and durable outpourings of good the world has ever seen. All over the nation, Americans dedicated themselves to helping others.

Again this year on 9/11 Day Observance, many Americans will serve others as a way to honor the 9/11 victims, their family members, survivors, rescue workers and volunteers. To find a great way you can participate, enter your ZIP code in the Create the Good volunteer opportunity locator.

9/11 day
service

The events of 9/11 inspired some Americans to volunteer as they never had before. Here are three stories about those people.

Volunteer Fire Fighter

Firefighter John Battistoni in front of a fire engine in Branson, Missouri

John Battistoni, 57, wanted to become a volunteer fire fighter but feared he was too old and heavy. He wasn't. Watch

Volunteer Hunger Fighter

Zamir Hassan bought a building in Newark, NJ to house his organization, Muslims Against Hunger

Zamir Hassan, 62, decided it was time to give back. He began feeding hungry people — many hungry people. Watch

Volunteer Blanket Makers

Anna Duffield sews a blanket for Project Linus.

Retirement village residents learned that traumatized children needed blankets. They began making them. Watch

Mature runner on the Tunnel to Towers run - volunteer on 9/11 day

5 Tips for Finding the Best 9/11 Volunteer Opportunity for You

Consider your talents when picking a cause and put your experience to use. read

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden greet military families at White House tea

Moms on a Mission

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden rally support for military families. read

9/11 day
remembrance

Keeping Memories Alive

Retired fire fighter Lee Ielpi lost a son on 9/11. Today at Ground Zero, he shares stories about victims, survivors and heroes. read

Your Life Calling

A Reflection with Jane Pauley

Meet Chaplain Richard Rittmaster, who left his job as a Lutheran minister to enroll in the U.S. Army National Guard after 9/11. Watch

Editor's Letter

Looking for Hope, 10 Years After 9/11

What we need to do to rebuild our nation's foundation. read

What I Really Know

About 9/11

After 9/11, it became evident that what happens in school does have meaning beyond the walls of the classroom. read

Poll: Half Believe Terrorist Attacks Changed Country for the Worse

Tragedy makes people appreciate family and friends more. read

previous days of
service

Day of Service 2010

We asked five well-known Americans to explain what was motivating them to make a difference during the 9/11 Day of Service in 2010. Read their moving responses.

Jon Secada

A Man With a Mission

"All our lives changed that day." The Grammy winner spent the ninth anniversary distributing food. Read

Shaun Tomson

Observing the Surfer's Code

"The great feeling from giving back can help us beat terror." The veteran surfer organizes his peers to protect the environment. Read

Joan Nathan

Cooking and Writing to Fight Injustice

"In Arabic and Hebrew, 'bread' and 'life' are very close in meaning." The chef and author took on illiteracy as a day of service. Read

Doris Matsui

'Swing a Hammer, Swinging a Paintbrush'

"We, as Americans, just rushed in." For this U.S. lawmaker, remembering Sept. 11 was a hands-on effort. Read

Virgil Gibson

Singing to Help Kids Is Dear to his Heart

"Everybody sees what we have in common." For the former Platters singer, lending a hand is for every day, not just Sept. 11. Read

Day of Service 2009

On Sept. 11, 2009, the first National Day of Service and Remembrance, AARP Bulletin asked six journalists to volunteer for a variety of projects. Read their powerful essays about their experiences.

Nutrition for the Soul

First-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels discovers a tight-knit support network. Read

You Get What You Need

Volunteering on a community gardens food truck proves to be life-affirming service in honor of 9/11. Read

Rallying Around Community Heroes

Every 9/11, a Michigan community honors the heroes who gave their lives — and neighbors who risk theirs. Read

Turning a Letdown into Commitment

An unfulfilled wish to volunteer on 9/11 becomes a long-term pledge to help a retirement community. Read

Still Doing the Right Thing

Even when life gets tough, a woman stays her course of helping others — especially on 9/11. Read

Unbridled Satisfaction

There's magic to be found helping out with the "horse stuff" of a riding-therapy ranch for kids. Read

volunteer
opportunities

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join the
conversation

Heart and hand reaching out - AARP Volunteering Challenge to tell my story

Looking for ways to volunteer on 9/11? Or maybe you'd like to share stories from your own volunteering experiences. Either way, you’ll find plenty of good ideas in our Create the Good online conversation.