In Support of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Adopted at the 94th Annual Meeting in 2026
WHEREAS, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, millions of Americans, without regard to their perceived differences or disagreements, came together in an extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and service to one another; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, the U.S. Congress formally established September 11 as a federally recognized day of service and remembrance under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, creating the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, known today as 9/11 Day, as a lasting and positive tribute to the victims, survivors, and those who rose in service in response, including first responders, recovery, workers, and members of our military; and
WHEREAS, the nonprofit 9/11 Day, in partnership with national organizations including America250 and AmeriCorps, and other prominent organizations, has helped to annually mobilize tens of millions of Americans to participate in charitable service, volunteering, and acts of kindness in observance of this day; and
WHEREAS, cities and mayors across the country play a vital leadership role in organizing community service initiatives, fostering civic engagement, and bringing residents together in moments of shared purpose; and
WHEREAS, the year 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, a historic milestone that presents a unique opportunity to inspire the largest day of service in American history and to reaffirm our nation s commitment to unity, resilience, and compassion; and
WHEREAS, local service projects particularly those addressing critical needs such as hunger relief, support for veterans and first responders, education, and community resilience provide meaningful opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in remembrance through action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors expresses its strong support for 9/11 Day, the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and its observance on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors calls upon mayors across the nation to lead and participate in local service projects and commemorative activities in their cities on or around September 11, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that mayors are encouraged to partner with community-based organizations, schools, businesses, and faith-based institutions to expand opportunities for volunteering and civic engagement, ensuring broad participation across all communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that mayors are encouraged to promote service opportunities that enable young Americans with no memories of the 9/11 attacks residents to contribute through acts of kindness, volunteering, and charitable giving; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges all mayors to issue official proclamations in their respective cities recognizing September 11, 2026, as 9/11 Day and the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and to use such proclamations to encourage broad community participation in service and commemorative activities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges all Americans to observe the 25th anniversary of 9/11 as a day of unity and service, honoring those lost in the attacks, and those who Rose and Service, by joining together to meet the needs of others.