September 13, 2011

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, President Barack Obama called for a National Day of Service and Rememberance "to provide a positive and forward-looking way for Americans and others to forever honor and remember the 9/11 victims, survivors, and the many that rose in service in response to the 9/11 tragedy, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety officers and members of our military."

Citizens were asked to join the millions participating by performing good deeds, supporting charitable causes, volunteering and engaging in other acts of compassion. To this effect, the Muslim Youth Group of the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) answered the President's call with a day of events called with "One Nation, One Voice," joining more thatn 200 hundred other Los Angeles youth. Working on a neighborhood beautification project at the Los Angeles Police Academy, the youth donned "I Will" T-shirts and said they were excited to be part of the project and give back to the community. 

The day continued with a forum cosponsored by MPAC, the Islamic Center or Southern California, the Council of Pakistan American Affairs and other interfatih organizations honoring first responders for their continued service and bravery. Muslim American Kevin James, a former NYC firefighter who was a first responders at Ground Zero on day of 9/11, said we need continue to remember those who give their lives every day for the cause of protecting our nation and communities. More than 200 people attended the standing-room only forum.

The day concluded with a health fair and food pantry for the neighboring community. The food pantry employees distributed more than 170 food boxes, with the health fair physicians seeing more than 125 people and providing services such as blood pressure checks, dental exams, eye exam to administering more than 100 flu shots. More than 125 hygiene kits were also distributed to those who visited the food pantry.

-- Marium F. Mohiuddin
(marium@mpac.org)
Communications Coordinator