10th Anniversary of 9/11 Unlike Any Other

Pearl Harbor was hardly remembered at all on its 10th anniversary in 1951.

I find that so interesting given that 9/11 has been compared to that event so often.

But by 1951 the Korean War and the fight against communism were in full swing. World War II was also a long war with many milestones. Apparently Pearl Harbor, which brought the US into the war, was not much more significant than the many other events during that conflict. Pearl Harbor became more significant later as a new generation looked back. This Associated Press article calls Pearl Harbor's 10th birthday the "Quiet Anniversary."

On the other hand, it is hard to escape the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Not that anyone wants to, sad as it is. In a USA Today article about the trauma of the anniversary, sociologist Brian Monahan said, "There's an inherent sadness, but alongside that is a celebratory undercurrent for how far we've come."

One of the nicest things any of us can do for the 9/11 anniversary is to visit 911.org and join the "I Will" campaign.

Millions have already pledged actions, remembered 9/11 victims, and uploaded their photos to the "Tribute Quilt." It's a lovely sight.

Some of the "I Will" statements are "play a song for them, " help someone build a house," "give blood," spend the day with my daughter," "pray with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women, and "talk to my kids about what happened."

More than just remembrance, the 10th anniversary of 9/11 is about service. The 9/11.org site is a joint project of My Good Deed, an organization formed in the aftermath of 9/11, and the HandsOnNetwork, part of the Points of Light Institute, which are organizing "the single largest day of charitable service in United States history."

Other organizations involved include the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Business Civic Leadership Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AARP, The Mission Continues, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Businesses all across the nation are joining in with their own contributions, volunteer activities, and special tributes.

American Express, the lead contributor to 911.org, has launched the I WILL VOLUNTEER Facebook application, powered by the HandsOn Network. The app aims to connect volunteers across the country to service projects in their communities. The app can be accessed at facebook/americanexpress or facebook/911day.

Through the app, volunteers can search the 9/11 Day database, powered by HandsOn Network, for volunteer opportunities by project location or type. When they find one they like, they can sign up and invite their friends on Facebook to join them in volunteering. Current volunteer opportunities available range from revitalizing schools in New York City's Lower East Side, to beautifying community gardens in Phoenix, to transforming an abandoned airport hangar into a community center in Los Angeles.

What will you or your organization be doing for the 10th anniversary of 9/11? Let us know in the comments. Would love to hear from you.

More about tenth anniversary of 9/11:

• September 11th Memorial Events Across the Country
• Events in NYC to mark the tenth anniversary of September 11th
• September 11 Memorial Events Around the Washington, DC Region

Photo: 9/11.org