21 Years Later, We Are United In Service

A GENERATION OF VETERANS ANSWERED THE CALL

Sunday marks 21st anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As Americans continue to reckon with the events that toppled the twin towers, took the lives of nearly 3,000 people, and launched The Global War on Terrorism, we reflect and remember on an entire generation of Americans who were called to serve in the wake of that day. Now, 21 years later, many of those who served honorably in the military are veterans who live in our communities across the country, holding on to a desire to continue serving.

Over the first few weeks in September, veteran and non-veteran volunteers have joined forces for a day of volunteering in their communities. Join us over this coming week at a project in your community. With the help of dedicated community partners, selfless sponsors, and volunteers from every corner of this nation, our veterans are honoring 9/11 by continuing to serve in our country’s under-resourced communities.

What continued service means to Rochester, New York veterans

To honor those lost on and after 9/11, veterans and volunteers from the Rochester Service Platoon led by Marine veteran Geoffrey Messenger stood United In Service. As kids are returning from summer break and going back to school, the Rochester Service Platoon stepped up to assist the Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center for grades K-6 with cosmetic fixes outside of the school and in the recess area. In addition the cleaning up the area, veterans and volunteers did extensive weeding, repainting, and repairing benches. This United in Service Campaign Project commemorated those who served and sacrificed since 9/11 and compelled veterans and volunteers to take pause to focus on what really matters to us now: service to our communities. The Platoon is engaged in service projects such as neighborhood cleanups and refugee resettlement efforts throughout the year.

Serve alongside Geoffrey Messenger and the Rochester Service Platoon throughout the year by clicking here or visiting https://www.missioncontinues.org/service-platoon/rochester/

For many in the New York City and Washington, D.C. area, as well as those who were called to serve in the following years, the change is absolute: absence of particular friends, family, or coworkers reminds us every day about the sacrifices that have been made.

About The Mission Continues 

The Mission Continues is a national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders. We invest in veterans and under-resourced communities, developing new skill sets and equipping a growing veteran volunteer movement with the tools to drive positive change. We deploy veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more. Through this unique model, veterans are provided opportunities for personal connection and professional growth while generating visible community impact. This work is made possible through the generous contributions of our mission partners. 

To learn more, visit http://www.missioncontinues.org or follow us on Twitter at @missioncontinue.