Nationwide 9/11 Commemorations Unite Volunteers in Millions of Meal Packings

The 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is being marked across the United States with ceremonies and acts of service honoring the victims, survivors, and first responders. In Los Angeles, officials including Mayor Karen Bass and fire and police chiefs participated in a remembrance ceremony featuring a helicopter flyover, the ringing of "10 Bells," and a large volunteer meal-packing event that prepared 400,000 meals for those facing food insecurity. Nationwide, tens of thousands of volunteers in at least 25 cities, including Dallas and New Rochelle, are assembling millions of meals to support communities in need as part of the National Day of Service. In Clovis, California, a ceremony featured keynote speaker Erik Ronningen, the last person to escape the South Tower before its collapse, paying tribute to those lost and the heroic first responders. Local government leaders have called on residents to reflect on the resilience and courage shown on that day and to strengthen their communities through acts of service. These efforts collectively honor the memory of 9/11 victims and promote community solidarity and support.