Eatonville volunteers make a difference on annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

Story by Rick Stedman

The community of Eatonville will again observe the annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, joining millions of people nationwide to honor the lives and service of those who died during the terrorist attacks in 2001.

The national 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance began in 2002 and was originally called 9/11 Day. It has been celebrated in the community of Eatonville ever since.

In 2009, a congressional mandate officially created the event as we refer to it today.

Volunteer activities have traditionally happened largely on a grassroots level across the nation through service projects organized by local nonprofits, employers, faith groups and children.

This year’s day of service in Eatonville will take place Saturday, Sept. 14. Locals will begin gathering in front of the Eatonville High School flagpole at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. program start. Carrie Koschene coordinates the event.

Last year, 82 volunteers donated their time and energy to spruce up the Eatonville community. With a large contingency of Eatonville School District students, parents and staff taking part in the event, EHS Superintendent Jay Brower invites the community to participate in the day.

“This significant event offers us a chance to honor the victims of 9/11 and the brave first responders who risked their lives on that tragic day by coming together to beautify our town and provide service to those in need,” he says. “The 9/11 day of service is more than just a day of remembrance; it is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that define our community. By dedicating our time and effort to local projects, we not only pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also strengthen the bonds that hold us together as a community.”

“Whether it’s through cleaning up our parks, assisting our neighbors or participating in community service projects, every act of kindness and cooperation counts. This event is an opportunity for all of us—students, parents, teachers and community members—to work side by side in making Eatonville an even better place to live.” Carrie says volunteers should arrive at the high school at 8:30 a.m. to register for service projects.

Pastor Josh Vitzthum from Sound Life
Church, will serve as emcee. He will be supported by his wife, Jennifer. The day of service gathering begins with recognition for first responders, followed by a flag ceremony in remembrance of the lives lost on 9/11.

There also will be a musical number provided by the high school band, under the direction of Susie Danielson, then a guest speaker before dismissal to projects at 9:30. 

After the work event wraps up, lunch is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All volunteers are invited to the Methodist Church on Lynch Street for a thank-you luncheon, courtesy of Pastor Bernard Richea and his wife, Bonnie.

Lions Club President Chris Wendell is sponsoring the lunch, with Eatonville residents Rex and Bonnie McNichol, owners of R and B BBQ, preparing the meal. Gerry Starosa, owner of Aloha Shave Ice, will offer dessert, and water for the service projects is donated by Pastor Jonathan Cross and his wife, Jenni, from CenterPoint Church.

Interested volunteers should fill out a registration form before attending. The form is available on Facebook and through a QR code on posters around town. Registering helps organizers have an accurate headcount for lunch. “If you have time, we’d love for you to join us,” Carrie says.

Service Projects

The Eatonville 9/11 Day of Service and
Remembrance will undertake a variety of service
projects, including:

– Pressure washing the Eatonville Police
Department.
– Sprucing up the Eatonville Cemetery by picking
up debris and tree branches, and doing light
weeding around plots.
–  A host of cleanup efforts at Mill Pond Park,
including: pressure washing playground toys;
mulching the big play area; repainting restroom
doors, trim and vents; and painting wooden picnic
tables.
– Pressure washing at the Eatonville Visitors
Center in areas where the street sweeper cannot
go. Repainting the restroom doors, trim, vents and
windows is also on the service list, as is re-staining
the wooden picnic area pergolas.
– A toiletries drive benefiting the Eatonville Family
Agency. Look for drop-off locations around town.
– Mindy Ewing, at the Eatonville Pierce County
Library, is hosting a thank you card-making event on
Mondays through Saturdays throughout the month,
where the cards will be sent to first responders.
A complete list of projects is available on the Facebook page: 9/11 Day of Service and
Remembrance – Eatonville, WA.