Service projects on tap at all Virginia State Parks for National Day of Service Sept. 11

All 35 Virginia State Parks will offer opportunities for public service on the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 11, ranging from trail and park cleanups and beautification projects to collecting food and toiletries for shelters and veterans, a news release said.

Since Congress created the special day in 2009, many Americans across the country have united on Sept. 11 to honor those who came together in the days and weeks after the attacks. Next week, Americans will honor victims, survivors and heroes of the 9/11 attacks.

“Our 35 Virginia State Parks have always been places where people find therapy for the mind, body and spirit in nature and escape the turmoil of the modern world,” said State Parks Director Joe Elton. “It is fitting and proper for us to gather in the quiet tranquility of state parks to honor the memories of the lost and celebrate the efforts of those who sacrificed during those dark days and weeks. In our state parks on Sept. 11, we will build up, restore, create and remember that the goodness of the human spirit is stronger than the darkest motives of terrorists.”

Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge will collect donations, Sept. 1-14 for the nearby Fort Belvoir Fisher House, a “home away from home” for military families while they visit a loved one during hospitalization for an illness or injury. Visitors also will have the opportunity to make cards for the recovering soldiers.

A complete listing of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance activities in Virginia State Parks can be found on the Virginia State Parks calendar page http://a.ly/6DY