Editor's Note
Editor’s note: An annual day of service evokes the spirit of unity that came after 9/11
Thousands again volunteered to feed the hungry in remembrance of those lost during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“The thought of doing something good and taking the positives out of 9/11 is such a great, great way to look at things,” said New York City Fire Department Lt. James Dowdell, as he visited with volunteers during 9/11 Day at the Intrepid Museum on Sept. 10, 2025. Ralph R. Ortega
I’ve made it a tradition to visit the Intrepid Museum before Sept. 11, where thousands volunteer each year to pack nonperishable meals for local food banks. The event is part of the federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also known as 9/11 Day, and it evokes the spirit of unity and call to service that came after the deadliest act of terrorism on U.S. soil 24 years ago.
I was a Daily News reporter then, witnessing selfless first responders and volunteers respond to the tragedy. With all the noise of our divided nation now, I felt compelled more than ever to return, this time on Sept. 10, when the two-day food distribution began.
Close to 7,000 volunteers were expected, and like every year, there were moments of silence to remember the 2,977 people who died at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. New York City Fire Department Lt. James Dowdell, whose father Kevin Dowdell was among the 343 members of the FDNY lost in the attacks, praised the turnout of volunteers.
“The thought of doing something good and taking the positives out of 9/11 is such a great, great way to look at things,” he told City & State during what was his first visit to the food distribution, coinciding with his 41st birthday.
“It’s very easy to focus on the negative things,” he said. “But if you look at the act of heroics, the acts of bravery, the acts of selflessness, and just people taking action to help other people … it’s definitely something that’s an honor to be part of.”