Over 100 volunteers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the community gathered at Keehi Lagoon Memorial State Park on Saturday, planting 441 native species of plants to honor the 441 first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center.
A nationwide initiative, the 9/11 Day of Service encourages U.S. citizens to dedicate time each Sept. 11 to help others in need and nurture the spirit of unity and compassion that brought the nation together in the days following the tragedy.
“There is no better way to honor the brave first responders who gave their lives saving others than through service,” said UH Manoa Office of Civic and Community Engagement Program Specialist Liane Akana in a news release. “By volunteering, we turn what was once a day of tragedy into a day of coming together to do good.”…