MAYOR NUTTER PARTICIPATES IN EVENTS COMMEMORATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9-11

Philadelphia, September 11, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter participated in events throughout the day as part of the City of Philadelphia’s observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance to mark the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. All the events took place on or around Independence Mall, near the birthplace of the Nation.rnrnThe City’s observance embraced the theme ‘Honor, Educate, Serve’ as a sign of hope for Philadelphia and the nation. The day began with the City Fire Department’s ‘9/11 Day of Remembrance’ March from the Fireman’s Hall Museum to the historic Betsy Ross House, which included a flag folding ceremony and bell tolling to honor the fallen.rnrn“As we remember the events of September 11, 2001, we can not recall that day without thinking about the men and women in uniform who courageously fulfilled their duty and saved the lives of so many,” said Mayor Nutter. “They represent the very best of our nation and what it means to serve others. With service comes honor, and no one can deny the honor of these Americans. I deeply appreciate the men and women of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, EMS Units, and all of our City’s First Responders who serve the citizens of Philadelphia with dignity and honor.”rnrnDuring the afternoon, Mayor Nutter attended Philadelphia’s third annual Civic Engagement Expo and Volunteer Service Project, coordinated in partnership by Serve Philadelphia, Global Citizen and Greater Philadelphia Cares. More than one hundred community organizations participated in the Expo, while volunteers from around the region participated in the Service Project: an effort to package 10,000 meals for people suffering from hunger and disease in Somalia. Later, the Mayor took part in the Prayer Gathering of Memory and Hope convened by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia in the Arch Street Friends Meeting House. Leaders from a wide variety of faiths and traditions joined Mayor Nutter in a call to stop violence in Philadelphia and around the world.rnrnThe day of service and remembrance concluded with the City of Philadelphia’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Independence Mall. Students from Mastery Charter School gave a surprise pop-up performance at the conclusion of Mayor Nutter’s address to the people gathered on the Mall to mark the solemn anniversary. The Mastery Charter students pledged in unison to honor, educate and serve, reflecting the theme of the City’s day of observance.rnrn“Just as the families of those lost on 9/11 honor the memory of their loved ones; educate young people; and serve each other in times of need, so too must we as a city, a region and a country honor those who sacrifice for us at home and abroad; educate each other about our differences and our freedoms; and serve our fellow citizens in times of need,” said Mayor Nutter. “That will be what defines us as a nation. Ours is the American story, and we will be the ones to write it.”