“I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding.“ ~ George H.W. Bush
As we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, images of fear, anguish, and heartbreak are likely to surface. Those who are old enough to remember that fateful day are quick to remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when the news of the terrorist attack was reported. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and the hope is that the focus has shifted from the terrible aspects of that day to something else. Something that was spread throughout the nation and beyond. Unity.
Ugly, evil, tragedy, and vulnerability exposed companionship, kindness, and service to the dear neighbor. It brought us closer together as human to human; we reached toward each other. Today, as we honor the victims of 9/11, at a time when kindness seems distant, we hope that our nation can return to the kindness and service that was experienced in the days, weeks, and months following the tragedy.
The nonprofit 9/11 Day has founded and organizes the federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance each year. The purpose is to encourage Americans to volunteer and serve in their own communities in observance of this year’s 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
This year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia have joined the effort to spread kindness in commemoration of this silver anniversary. CSJ leadership has encouraged all employees, Sisters, and Associates to perform acts of service throughout September and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives. They can then share the stories of these acts anonymously to show the impact kindness has on our community. Each gesture, great or small, may be enough to inspire the next person to perform their good deed for the next person. Can kindness become contagious? We hope so!