Puyallup Area Communities Remember 9/11

PUYALLUP, WA - When City of Puyallup- Government employees, community volunteers, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partner together for the National Day of Service and Remembrance, great things happen!

Last weekend, in honor of “9/11 Day”, hundreds of local volunteers gave Puyallup’s Woodbine Cemetery a major makeover. With gloves, buckets, and rakes in hand, community members rallied their friends and family in service as headstones were uncovered, gravestones were cleaned, flower beds were weeded, and other projects were completed.

Carissa Poyfair, a local Latter-day Saint who attended Saturday’s event, said of the experience, "My family and I had so much fun helping to clean up the Woodbine Cemetery. It was amazing to see so many people there, selflessly serving their community and with such positive and loving attitudes. Everyone was willing to pitch in wherever they were needed, and we left the project feeling so happy that we were able to help improve this little historical landmark in Puyallup."

The National Day of Service and Remembrance has been set aside as a day of unity, community service, and love. In a 2009 Presidential Proclamation, President Obama officially recognized the National Day of Service and Remembrance as “an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, and recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks”. He then called on all Americans to “rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.”

Kathy Stancik, of Woodbine Cemetery, understands the value of connecting with the community in meaningful service. With the help of the Latter-day Saints, not only were hearts uplifted and friendships strengthened, but great improvements were made to the cemetery. Kathy states, “[The volunteers] worked hard raising headstone markers, laying bricks for a wall, blowing pine needles off of graves. This was a hugh accomplishment and kick off to our fall cleanup. We appreciate all the work done. The grounds look great.”

Today, despite it’s humble beginnings, “9/11 Day” has grown by leaps and bounds, and is officially the largest annual day of service in the United States. More than 15 million Americans each year participate in a variety of ways, offering their time, including volunteering in their local communities, making charitable donations, and sharing in small acts of kindness with those around them.

If you are looking for an opportunity to participate in The National Day of Service, and want to make a difference in your community by doing a good deed, visit JustServe.org, for a list of volunteer service projects in your area.

*A big "thank you" to Bruce Koch from Woodbine Cemetery, Jason Allen for organizing the event, Jennifer Carver for her contributions to this story, and especially, to the many Puyallup area community volunteers who helped make this day of service a great success.

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