In the spirit of national unity and remembrance, the City of Casa Grande has set the stage for this year's 9/11 National Day of Service event. On Saturday, September 20, community members are invited to join hands from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Carr McNatt Park, located at 1115 N. Brown Street. This initiative seeks to embody the communal resilience forged in the wake of the tragedy that claimed nearly 3,000 lives on September 11, 2001. The announcement comes according to a release on the city's official website.
The day's agenda, which involves cleaning and beautifying Carr McNatt Park and other locales around the city, encourages citizens to engage in a touch of common grace, ensuring that every volunteer's hand, through the work of beautification, serves as a tribute to those lost. In a unifying effort similar to the previous year’s event, which saw over 400 volunteers at Ed Hooper Park, local schools and churches are rallying to bolster participation, as per the City of Casa Grande. Mayor Lisa Fitzgibbons and Arizona State Legislators are among those slated to preside over the opening ceremony.
Volunteers seeking to contribute to efforts such as litter removal, painting, and landscaping can register via the city's website. They will be provided with trash bags and gloves, on a "first-come, first-served" basis as the notification on the city's website states, but bringing personal equipment is encouraged. To accommodate all, indoor activities will also be available for individuals with heat sensitivities.
Helping to keep the memory of 9/11 alive, various exhibits will be on display during the event. The Arts & Culture Commission will be facilitating a station where participants can create cards and letters to express their gratitude to local heroes across first responder units and military personnel overseas. For attendees who wish to absorb the morning's solemnity and reverence, amenities recommended include hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and blankets.
Post clean-up—scheduled to conclude by 10:00 a.m.—a free hot dog lunch will be available to all volunteers as a token of appreciation. Those joining are advised to wear red, white, and blue, with photographers expected to capture the day's worth of patriotic expression and civic engagement.
