III
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 334
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 11, 2023
Mr. Coons (for himself and Mr. Cassidy) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
September 18, 2023
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 11, 2023, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
.
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States endured violent terrorist attacks and events (referred to in this preamble as the attacks
) in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States citizens and others from more than 90 different countries and territories;
Whereas, in response to the attacks, firefighters, uniformed officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders immediately rose to service in the heroic attempt to save the lives of the individuals in danger;
Whereas, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of recovery workers, including tradespeople, iron workers, equipment operators, and many others, joined with uniformed officers and military personnel to help search for and recover victims lost in the attacks;
Whereas, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of individuals in the United States spontaneously volunteered to help support rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship;
Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the attacks;
Whereas hundreds of thousands of brave individuals continue to serve every day, answering the call to duty as members of the Armed Forces, with many having given their lives or suffered injury—
to defend the security of the United States; and
to prevent further terrorist attacks;
Whereas the people of the United States witnessed and endured the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and in the immediate aftermath of the attacks came together under a remarkable and inspiring spirit of unity, service, and compassion;
Whereas, in the years immediately following the attacks, there was a marked increase in volunteerism and national service among the people of the United States, which continues to this day;
Whereas, in 2009, with the support of members of the communities affected by the attacks, Congress passed, and President Barack Obama signed, the bipartisan Serve America Act (Public Law 111–13; 123 Stat. 1460), which—
established Federal recognition of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
(commonly referred to as 9/11 Day
) as a way to annually and forever encourage all people of the United States to remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the attacks through acts of service, including volunteerism, and to keep the promise to Never Forget
; and
charged the Corporation for National and Community Service (commonly known as AmeriCorps
), the Federal agency for community service and volunteerism, with leading the annual day of service; and
Whereas, since the establishment of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, millions of individuals in the United States have observed that date by uniting together across differences and engaging in a wide range of service activities and private forms of prayer and remembrance: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
recognizes, commends, and honors the self-less dedication to fellow citizens displayed through the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania;
calls on the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and all people of the United States, to observe September 11, 2023, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
, with appropriate and personal expressions of service and reflection, which may include performing good deeds, displaying the United States flag, participating in memorial and remembrance services, and engaging in volunteer service or other charitable activities—
in honor of the individuals who lost their lives, were injured, or continue to be medically ill as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and
in tribute to the individuals who rose to service—
to come to the aid of those individuals in need; and
in defense of the United States; and
urges all people of the United States to continue to live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of unity, service, and compassion that was exhibited throughout the United States following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.