Connecting Students to the Power of Good Deeds to Make an Impact
Twenty years ago, the world watched in shock and horror as four planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and thousands more suffered injuries or were sickened in the aftermath. The world grieved that day and vowed to “Never Forget.”
Even in the darkness of the tragedy, people in the United States truly joined together to support the victims and their communities. Medical teams, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers and others traveled from all over to aid local agencies and those directly affected. It was a time when people put aside their differences and focused on our common humanity. U.S. and global leaders urged everyone to unite and stand strong in the face of tragedy. In ways it was an unprecedented time.
Yet now, more than 100 million people in the United States are too young to have direct memories of the attacks and the aftermath. As researchers and educators look to learn from and teach about the historic events and pay homage to the victims, it is important to also focus on the tremendous compassion for others that millions showed in the face of such hardship. MyGoodDeed, the nonprofit which originated and leads the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (“9/11 Day”), encourages people everywhere to do good deeds in honor of those directly affected by the attacks and those who rose in service in response.
9/11 Day and Discovery Education now offer an all-new way to engage students everywhere about the importance of service with a virtual field trip entitled 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Paying Tribute Through Good Deeds. Designed for middle and high school students, this virtual field trip, moderated by Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of the NBC’s TODAY Show, takes students to New York City. Once there, the trip splits into three interviews with community leaders:
- Jay Winuk, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, shares a personal story about his heroic brother, Glenn Winuk, an attorney and volunteer firefighter and EMT who died in the line of duty as a rescuer when the World Trade Center South Tower collapsed, and about how Glenn’s actions helped inspire 9/11 Day.
- Terry Tobin, Chief of Interagency Operations for the New York City Police Department and a first responder on 9/11, focuses on community unity in the aftermath.
- Hillary O’Neill, now a college student who was born on 9/11/2001, shares why she dedicates her birthday each year to doing good deeds.
During this virtual field trip, students will also meet peers to hear their thoughts and questions about the events of 9/11 and how service makes a difference.
20th Anniversary of 9/11: Paying Tribute Through Good Deeds, teaches students that heroism does not necessarily require acts of great courage, but can be realized through acts of kindness and a willingness to lend a hand when needed, despite our perceived differences. Just about everyone has the ability to do good deeds, and this VFT calls on students to take the time and get involved.
We are living in divided times, and unity is difficult for many. We know it is possible because we saw it through the actions taken on and after 9/11 by everyday civilians. The 20th anniversary of 9/11 can be the turning point for us to unite as one, and 20th Anniversary of 9/11: Paying Tribute Through Good Deeds helps guide students by demonstrating the power of helping others.
