Tennessee National Guard’s response to September 11th

Nashville, TN – There are events throughout history that evoke powerful emotions: Pearl Harbor, President Kennedy’s assassination, the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia, and September 11th, 2001.

On that September morning in 2001, America watched in disbelief as terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center and attacked the Pentagon. The image of two passenger airliners slamming into the iconic New York City landmarks became seared into our collective memory. The deliberate brutality grounded air traffic across the country – with one exception.

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AmeriCorps Stories: How 9/11 Changed My Life

Washington D.C. – In the aftermath of the tragedy that struck America a decade ago, hundreds of AmeriCorps members stepped forward to help, offering assistance to the injured, serving as family caseworkers, and helping those displaced from Ground Zero find housing and other services. For many, their service was a life-changing experience, inspiring them to pursue lives of public service.

All across the country, the events of that day and the heroism of our first responders inspired thousands of then-teenagers and 20-somethings to give back. Many voluntarily enlisted during wartime and knowingly risked their lives to protect our country. Others chose to serve their country through AmeriCorps, meeting vital community needs in education, health, disaster relief, and other areas. All have upheld the virtues of honor, sacrifice, and selflessness that have always been the source of America’s strength. [Read more]

Americans Remember September 11th By Serving

Hundreds of Thousands Volunteer in All 50 States on September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance

Washington, D.C. – On the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, hundreds of thousands of Americans will participate in service and remembrance activities to pay tribute to 9/11 victims and heroes and rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the attacks.

Projects marking the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance will take place in all 50 states, ranging from food drives and school beautification to disaster preparation and neighborhood cleanups, with many focused on supporting veterans, soldiers, military families, and first responders. [Read more]

Fly the Flag at Half Staff Sunday

Washington, D.C. – In the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11th of each year, designated in memory of the 2,974 casualties in the September 11th, 2001, attacks.

The U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25th, 2001. It requested that the President designate September 11th of each year as “Patriot Day.” President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18th, 2001. [Read more]

Department of Health Encourages Residents to ready for Emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month

Nashville, TN – In keeping with the priority Tennessee has placed on emergency preparedness, Gov. Bill Haslam has declared September National Preparedness Month in the state.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, offering greater significance for the observance and renewing the focus on individual and family planning for emergency situations. This year’s observance theme is, “A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.”

The Tennessee Department of Health is issuing a call to residents to take specific steps to be prepared in the event of an emergency: get a kit; make a plan; and be informed. Detailed information is available online at www.ready.gov. [Read more]