Governor Participates in a Day of Service and Remembrance
September 11, 2009
BANGOR – Governor John E. Baldacci today joined officials from the City of Bangor, members of Maine AmeriCorps and Maine Commission for Community Service and other volunteers to participate in a Day of Service and Remembrance. President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which among other provisions officially recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The group gathered at Park Wood Transitional Housing to help clear underbrush, plant perennials and create a picnic area in the area.
“This September 11th, Americans across the nation will remember the tragic events of eight years ago, and serve in their communities to honor the victims and heroes of that day,” said Governor Baldacci. “This new National Day of Service and Remembrance is inspired by the remarkable spirit of service that emerged in the wake of the tragedy on September 11th, 2001, and the widespread compassion that helped to heal our nation. By using this day as an opportunity to reach out into our communities and help others, we honor September 11th victims, survivors, their families, first responders and volunteers.”
Each year more than 350,000 Mainers volunteer in their communities. They provide vital support to Maine schools and shelters, hospitals and hot lines and other neighborhood efforts. Needs remain great across the State and opportunities exist for everyone to get involved through volunteering.
“I join the President in having confidence that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things,” said the Governor. “That’s why I encourage Mainers to come together and help revitalize our communities by volunteering.”
For more information on Maine people can visit www.VolunteerMaine.org
The Governor issued the following proclamation for a Day of Service and Remembrance.
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, terrorist ruthlessly attacked the United States leading to the tragic death of thousands of innocent United States citizens and other citizens from more than 90 different countries and territories; and
WHEREAS, in response to the attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, all emergency medical technicians, and other first responders immediately and without concern for their own well-being rose to service, in a heroic attempt to protect the lives of those still at risk, consequently saving thousands of men and women; and
WHEREAS, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of people in the United States and other nations spontaneously volunteered to help support the rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of brave men and women continue to serve every day, having answered the call to duty as members of our nation’s armed forces with thousands having given their lives, or been injured to defend our nation’s security and prevent future terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS, the entire nation witnessed and shared in the tragedy of 9/11 and in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks became unified under a remarkable spirit of service and compassion that inspired and helped heal the nation; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States from all 50 states as well as others who live in 170 different countries already observe the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks each year by personally engaging in service, good deeds, and other charitable acts; and
WHEREAS; as on March 31, 2009, congress passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which included for the first time the authorization and Federal recognition of September 11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance”, a bill signed into law on April 21, 2009 by President Barack Obama; and Congresswoman Matsui introduced a house resolution declaring September 11, 2009 a “National Day of Service and Remembrance”,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2009 as a
DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBERANCE
throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.
