September 10, 2026
Ms. Matsui (for herself, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Carson, Mr. Landsman, and Ms. Norton) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Recognizing September 11, 2026, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
and the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States endured violent terrorist attacks and events (referred to in this preamble as the attacks
) in New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States citizens and people from more than 90 different countries and territories;
Whereas September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks;
Whereas, in response to the attacks, firefighters, uniformed officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders immediately rose to service in a heroic attempt to save the lives of individuals in danger;
Whereas, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of recovery workers, including tradespeople, ironworkers, equipment operators, and many others, joined uniformed officers and military personnel in searching for and recovering victims lost in the attacks;
Whereas, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of individuals in the United States spontaneously volunteered to support rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship;
Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the attacks;
Whereas hundreds of thousands of brave individuals have answered the call to duty as members of the Armed Forces, with many having given their lives or suffered injuries—
(1)
to defend the security of the United States; and
(2)
to prevent further terrorist attacks;
Whereas the people of the United States witnessed and endured the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, came together in a remarkable and inspiring spirit of unity, service, and compassion;
Whereas, 25 years after the attacks, the United States remains committed to honoring the individuals who lost their lives, supporting survivors and responders, and preserving the stories of courage, sacrifice, and service that emerged from that day;
Whereas, in the years immediately following the attacks, there was a marked increase in volunteerism and national service among the people of the United States, which continues to this day;
Whereas, in 2009, with the support of members of the communities affected by the attacks, Congress passed, and President Barack Obama signed, the bipartisan Serve America Act (Public Law 111–13; 123 Stat. 1460), which—
(1)
established Federal recognition of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
(commonly referred to as 9/11 Day
) as a way to annually and forever encourage all people of the United States to remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the attacks through acts of service, including volunteerism, and to keep the promise to Never Forget
; and
(2)
charged the Corporation for National and Community Service (commonly known as AmeriCorps
), the Federal agency for community service and volunteerism, with leading the annual day of service; and
Whereas, since the establishment of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
, millions of individuals in the United States have observed that date by coming together across differences and engaging in a wide range of service activities and private forms of prayer and remembrance: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
recognizes the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001;
(2)
recognizes, commends, and honors the selfless dedication to others displayed through the heroic actions of first responders and other individuals in New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA;
(3)
calls on the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and all people of the United States, to observe September 11, 2026, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
, with appropriate and personal expressions of service and reflection, which may include performing good deeds, displaying the United States flag, participating in memorial and remembrance services, and engaging in volunteer service or other charitable activities—
(A)
in memory of the individuals who lost their lives in the attacks;
(B)
in honor of the individuals who were injured or continue to suffer from illnesses resulting from the attacks; and
(C)
in tribute to the individuals who rose to service—
(i)
to come to the aid of those in need; and
(ii)
in defense of the United States; and
(4)
urges all people of the United States to honor the 25th anniversary of the attacks by carrying forward throughout the year the same spirit of unity, service, and compassion exhibited across the United States following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.