Mayor Don Plusquellic announced today that
Akron would join cities around the country in commemorating the events of September 11,
2001.The City has joined with other community agencies in establishing the Greater
Akron 9-11 Remembrance Coalition, which has organized a special day of activities on
Sunday September 8 at Quaker Station in downtown Akron. The City is working with the
United Way of Summit County, the Summit County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the
Salvation Army and others on the commemoration.
Mayor Plusquellic announced that Akron is one of 21 cities nationwide to have been
selected by Participate America as a target city for community participation. The U-S
Senate created Participate America in late 2001 as a national memorial to victims of the
September terrorist attacks.
"The best antidote to terrorism is volunteerism," the mayor said. "In
Akron, we have one of the highest rates of volunteer participation of any community in the
country. The terrorist attacks sought to undermine our participatory system of government,
but instead of making us question our democratic principles, the attacks have made us more
determined than ever to participate in meaningful ways in our community."
Businesses and individuals are being asked to donate time in meaningful ways as a
lasting memorial to the victims of 9-11. The Akron Coalition’s member agencies are
coordinating the new volunteer effort.
"Participate America" selected Greater Akron’s Habitat for Humanity
program as the recipient of funds from the national program.
In addition to the September 8 event, the Akron Fire Department will join fire stations
around the United States to mark the exact moment of the terrorist attacks.
On Wednesday, September 11, at Fire Station #4 in South Akron, a protocol established
by the International Association of Fire Chiefs will be followed:
