September 11, 2026 · McCall Vrydaghs
Volunteers plant flowers at Kenneth Lira 9/11 Memorial Park as part of a three-day cleanup and beautification project hosted by the City of Paterson, NJ and Keep Paterson Beautiful.
STAMFORD, CT, September 11, 2026 — As America commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Keep America Beautiful is inviting people across the country to honor the day through service as part of America’s Day of Doing Good.
This national effort aims to make September 11 the largest day of community action in American history, honoring those who were lost and those who served in the aftermath by carrying forward the compassion, unity, and spirit of service that emerged in the days after the attacks.
Keep America Beautiful is among a select group of organizations awarded funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program. Principal grant funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, in partnership with 9/11 Day and the Popeyes Foundation.
“Twenty-five years later, we can still honor that spirit in the way we show up for one another and for the places we share,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Whether it’s picking up litter in our neighborhoods or planting flowers in a local park, each of us has a chance to do something positive for our community and for the people around us.”
The anniversary carries special meaning in New Jersey, where the tragic events of September 11, 2001 directly impacted so many families and communities.
The City of Paterson, NJ and Keep Paterson Beautiful recently hosted a three-day cleanup and beautification project at Kenneth Lira 9/11 Memorial Park. Volunteers weeded and cleaned planting beds, cleared walkways, placed flags, painted over graffiti, and prepared the park and surrounding area for the 25th anniversary commemoration.
Keep Newark Beautiful has hosted three service events this month, bringing volunteers together to strengthen community gardens, reduce litter, clean storm drains, and care for shared neighborhood spaces. A fourth event is planned for September 12 at MLK Boulevard and Clinton Avenue, where Keep Newark Beautiful, the Newark Blooms Team, artists, and community volunteers will take part in cleanup, planting, beautification, and preparation for a mural project. Register for the September 12 event (opens in a new tab).
“On this anniversary, we have an opportunity to remember not only what was lost, but also what brought people together in the days that followed,” Lawson said. “That spirit of compassion, connection, and shared responsibility still matters. America’s Day of Doing Good gives us a way to carry it forward in our own communities.”
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6 Simple Ways to Make Halloween a Little More Beautiful →AmeriCorps invests in local initiatives to foster the next generation of civic-minded leaders, providing opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to address the nation’s most pressing challenges, strengthen local communities, and unite through volunteer service.
Founded in 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day led the successful effort to establish September 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year, tens of millions of Americans observe the day by performing good deeds in honor of those who perished, were injured or sickened; the survivors; the first responders; and all who rose to serve in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Learn more at 911day.org (opens in a new tab).
Keep America Beautiful, founded in 1953, is a national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Through its powerful network of community-based affiliates, millions of volunteers, and strategic partners, Keep America Beautiful brings people together to transform public spaces into beautiful places. For more information, visit kab.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Leslie McClain
Keep America Beautiful
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