Here are ways to honor and observe the 9/11 National Day of Service

September 11 is a sacrosanct date on the US calendar and in the American psyche. In 2009, Congress formally recognized the date as an annual “National Day of Service and Remembrance,” a time to honor the 9/11 victims and first responders through good works.

The founders of 9/11 Day, David Paine and Jay Winuk, helped build momentum in getting the day formally recognized as a national day of service. Along with Martin Luther King Day, it’s now one of only two.

For Winuk, the mission to remember the day through service is a deeply personal one. Winuk’s brother, Glenn, was a volunteer firefighter who rushed towards the Twin Towers after they were hit. After helping evacuate the downtown law office where he worked, he headed to help with the rescue efforts in the South Tower. He died when the tower collapsed.

“He lived his life and died in service to other people. I wanted to get involved in something that reflected the way Glenn lived his life.” Winuk said.

Around 30 million people now mark the day each year by participating in charitable activities around the country.