First responders offer exceptional service to the community in times of crisis, forgoing their safety, their health, and often their lives for the well-being of others. Around this time of year, in particular, people across America reflect and memorialize the sacrifice of emergency personnel during the horrific events of September 11. Here’s how you can honor the heroes of this tragedy through community-based memorials.

How to Honor First Responders Around 9/11

1. Support Families

Beyond the tragedy of losing a first responder, they often leave behind a grieving family. For loved ones of those lost to 9/11, the youngest infants during that time are now reaching major milestones without a vital member of their family—graduation, college, and more. Reaching out to these families as this anniversary approaches can remind them of the community they have supporting them year-round.

Recent events in Washington D.C. have also reminded Americans that caring for 9/11 first responders that survived is as crucial as ever. Due to toxic dust, smoke, and fumes at the World Trade Center attack site, emergency personnel involved in search and rescue have since fallen victim to cancer and other illnesses related to their exposure. While Congress has unanimously renewed funding that provides medical care and financial aid to these heroes, local communities should help first responders and their families navigate these delayed losses with compassion and support.

2. Donate to the Red Cross

For over 130 years, the American Red Cross has provided humanitarian aid during times of crisis. The direst need that they serve during emergencies is blood donations. On an average day, our nation’s hospitals use 40,000 pints of blood to save lives through transfusions. When catastrophic emergencies occur, there are often blood shortages due to an increased need from hospitals in the area.

In September 2001, more than 52,000 people in the New York region flocked to blood banks in an act of solidarity to those affected by the events at the World Trade Center. As blood banks constantly battle shortages, set up blood drives in your neighborhood to honor that act of patriotic support on a regular basis. The process takes less than 30 minutes per donor, from health screening to donation to recovery.

3. Plan Memorials

To honor the legacy of first responders lost to any tragedy, it is essential to remember them through community events. Visit local memorials—like parks or statues—dedicated to these heroes, find a local gathering devoted to their service, or donate to organizations that offer support to first responders. The Gary Sinise Foundation, for example, organizes outreach efforts and housing assistance for first responders, veterans, and emergency personnel and plans events throughout the year to support this cause.

Other events commemorate them through annual memorials, using the likes of a blessing or a butterfly release to show solidarity to loved ones affected by their sacrifice. Schools will even incorporate “Freedom Areas” dedicated to educating the next generation about the September 11 attacks. By continuing to highlight their legacy, the service these men and women perform endures long after they’re gone.

In Rochester, NY, Ascension Garden Cemetery will have a Memorial Butterfly Release on September 7, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will have the same ceremony from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of first responders.  All are welcome to release a butterfly in memory of their loved ones, first responder or not, and enjoy the company of the local Catholic community. An ice cream social provided by Bruster’s Ice Cream will accompany the event for all those in attendance. For more information about their community memorials and to RSVP for this special afternoon, visit their website, call (585) 697-1122, or email events@holysepulchre.org.