Patriot Day – the National Day of Service and Remembrance held in memory of Sept. 11, 2001 – has a special significance this year as America marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks that killed 2,996 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in a Shanksville, Pennsylvania, field. As Catholics, we can follow the example of Pope Benedict XVI who, during a visit to Ground Zero in New York on April 20, 2008, asked the Lord to “Give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.”
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville are offering special events commemorating the 25th anniversary. The ceremony at the 9/11 Plaza in New York City during which each victim’s name is read aloud is particularly moving. If you can’t be there in person, many events will be televised or streamed. The second part of the day – service – can be achieved by volunteering for a cause that matters to you, whether at your church, a charitable organization or a park.