9/11: Remember and serve

Today's eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives on American soil reminds us of sacrifice - past, present and yet to come.

The kind of sacrifice that families of the victims endured and still do today. The sacrifice by thousands of troops sent to fight terrorism and oppression in Iraq and Afghanistan since that horrific day.

The ongoing sacrifice by soldiers yet today as the Iraq war winds down while the Afghan conflict heats up. Total number of U.S. military fatalities as of Wednesday: 4,343 in the Iraq operation, 821 in Afghanistan.

Those numbers represent people who affected so many more lives before they paid the ultimate price. Such sacrifice can never be fully appreciated.

Yet there are always ways to honor their memory. That's the goal of the National Day of Remembrance and Service, observed today for the first time. Today, we are reminded of the 9/11 victims and paying tribute to those who served in response to the attacks.

This day's significance also should stir us to action. One good example in our community: East Central Iowa Volunteer Center and the AmeriCorps VISTA Flood Recovery Program are using this day to remind people that many flood-damaged homes still need to be gutted, cleaned or rebuilt. They hope to generate renewed enthusiasm for volunteer service.

Volunteering is always a great way to honor the sacrifice of others. If you've never done that, why not start today?

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For more information about volunteering to help local flood-recovery projects, call (319) 540-4810