Volunteers are planting 3,000 new trees across the country to honor each life lost on 9/11
Since 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day has led an annual effort to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks through acts of public service, with tens of millions of Americans joining in every year.
A new initiative this year, a collaboration with One Tree Planted, is called Together We Grow, a year-long campaign to plant 3,000 new trees nationwide in honor of the 2,977 victims of 9/11.
On September 9, the initiative kicked off with the planting of a 15-foot willow oak tree in New York City’s Battery Park at the Labyrinth of Contemplation, a space created to honor the victims of the attacks.
Why is this good news? The president of One Tree Planted said it best: “A tree is a simple but powerful symbol of that remembrance. It gives us a chance to honor the past while doing something good for the future. Together We Grow is about coming together, caring for a place we share, and creating something living that can continue to grow for generations.”
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Every year, a neighboring church and mosque join forces for a blood drive in remembrance of 9/11
Since 2010, two neighboring faith centers in Memphis, Tennessee — Heartsong Church and Memphis Islamic Center — have built an interfaith friendship and worked together on countless endeavors.
Together, they’ve co-sponsored coat drives, food drives, and more. And every year, close to the anniversary of September 11, the two houses of worship hold a blood drive, with each alternating as hosts.
In 2026, the blood drive will be held on Sunday, September 13. Since the first blood drive in 2011, more than 600 pints of blood have been donated.
“We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that government is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances.
‘Never Forget’ is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action.”
— NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, after declaring Sept. 11 an official citywide day of remembrance and service