More than 1,200 volunteers gather at Houston National Cemetery for 9/11 Day of Service

HOUSTON – More than 1,200 volunteers came together Saturday at Houston National Cemetery for one of the city’s largest 9/11 Day of Service events.

The event, organized by 911Day.org, honored the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, while paying tribute to local service members and first responders.

An opening ceremony at the cemetery’s Hemicycle began at 9 a.m. with remarks from Houston City Council Member Twila Carter. The program included an honor guard flag presentation and a patriotic flyover by the Houston Police Department’s “Fox” helicopter.

Volunteers spent the morning cleaning and restoring headstones, raking, removing debris and beautifying the cemetery grounds. An interfaith choir also performed in recognition of the day’s spirit of unity and remembrance.

Organizers said the annual day of service provides a way for Houstonians to reflect on the tragedy of Sept. 11 while working together to honor the nation’s heroes.