As we approach the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in a week, let us not forget that we have an opportunity to show that those who lost their lives or were injured in this tragedy will never be forgotten.

Each one of us can show our strength as Americans united. And, we can honor the victims of this horrific event by engaging in meaningful service to others.

We can do all of that by participating in the 9/11 National Day of Service. The American Legion Auxiliary encourages all of our members to find ways to do that.

Formally known as Patriot Day, the 9/11 National Day of Service has been designated by Congress as a national day of service and remembrance to pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 through charitable service and good deeds.

Here are a few ways you can participate in the day:

Make a 9/11 Day of Service pledge

To get involved in the 9/11 Day of Service, make a 9/11 Day of Service pledge through the 911day.org website. You can participate in a volunteer activity or project that you’ve already been part of and encourage others to join you. Or, you can organize a service activity specifically for 9/11 Day. Your service pledge can be as broad or specific as you’d like, so long as it is in the spirit of service and remembrance.

Share your 9/11 Day of Service pledge with others  

ALA encourages its members to share their 9/11 day of service pledge with others through Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of social media. On Twitter, be sure to include #911day and #ALA hashtags in your message to make sure your pledge is seen by others. Be sure to follow @ALANatlHQ to keep up with the ALA via Twitter on 9/11 Day and every day. For Facebook, tag @American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters and #ALA in your post.

By sharing your pledge of service with others, ALA members serve as role models who motivate and challenge others to serve. Participation in national days of service, such as 9/11, is a suggested activity within the ALA Community Service Committee plan of action.

Other ways to get involved in 9/11 Day

Not everyone can or wants to pledge their service online. Visit 911day.org to explore service project opportunities in your community and state. If there are no projects listed in your area, consider working with your unit to organize a 9/11 Day project, or do some volunteering individually.

Please don’t forget to report your impact! Submit your 9/11 Day activities and hours. If it’s service to veterans, report it as service for veterans. If it is purely a service to the community at large, it would go under community service.