LOGAN, Utah — Organizers are hoping to make the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the largest day of service in Cache Valley history, with nearly 50 projects planned throughout the valley and more potentially on the way.
Former Utah state Rep. Jack Draxler discussed the Cache Valley 9/11 Day of Service during a recent appearance on KVNU’s “For the People.” The two-day event is scheduled for Sept. 11-12 and will bring together cities, schools, nonprofits, churches, businesses, Utah State University, service clubs and other community organizations.
“It’s been 25 years, Jason, and it is our 250th birthday as a nation,” Draxler said. “The timing is really right for it, and our goal is very simple. We want to make this coming September 11th the biggest day of service in Cache Valley’s history.”
Organizers are hoping to offer about 48 service projects across Cache Valley and recruit a large number of volunteers.
“We need the people of Cache Valley to turn out and serve each other, which I have no doubt they will do because we’re really noted for our service here in this valley,” Draxler said.
Projects discussed during the interview include removing weeds around the Blackhawk Park soccer fields in Nibley, preparing meals for the William A. Burnard Warming Center, planting trees at the Logan Cemetery, washing windows at the English Language Center, repairing trails and moving a fence for the Christmas Car Project.
Other projects include refurbishing historic handcarts and completing landscaping work in Providence for a family needing assistance after a tragedy.
Volunteers can join an existing project, suggest a project or organize one of their own. Draxler said organizers want projects throughout Cache Valley, with most of the work scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, and additional projects taking place Saturday.
“The bulk of the projects will be on Friday,” Draxler said. “That will be a full day of work, but there will be several on Saturday as well, and then our commemoration program will be on Saturday.”
The effort is being organized under Cache Community Connections, an interfaith organization created shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Draxler said then-Logan Mayor Doug Thompson helped organize Cache Community Connections within days of the attacks as a way to encourage “hope and service and kindness and tolerance” in the community rather than bitterness. Draxler, who was mayor of North Logan at the time, said he was among those involved in the organization’s early days.
The upcoming service event is intended not only to remember those killed and affected by the attacks but also to recognize the country’s resilience and strengthen relationships in Cache Valley.
“Really, success isn’t just getting the weeds pulled and the windows cleaned, although that’s really important,” Draxler said. “But the real success is building stronger relationships between neighbors and communities and organizations.”
Organizers also hope the initiative can become an annual Cache Valley tradition.
“We would love for this to become an annual event,” Draxler said. “If we can get people out and if we can regard it as something that we just do in our valley as service, it’s really exciting.”
The two-day observance will conclude with a community commemoration at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 at Willow Park in Logan. The program is expected to include a presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol, interfaith prayers, remarks from veterans, a review of the service completed during the two days and music from the Bridgerland Brass Band.
Free food, including hot dogs, tamales, watermelon, ice cream and drinks, is also planned.
“We’ll reflect on the service projects that have been accomplished,” Draxler said. “And the Bridgerland Brass Band will be there to play.”
Children and teenagers ages 7-16 can also participate in a youth art contest, with suggested themes including community, service and America 250.
Draxler credited an executive committee chaired by Cache County Executive David Zook, along with several subcommittees, for months of preparation. He said representatives from faith organizations, businesses, service groups and schools have been involved. JustServe is also participating in the effort.
“This is a lot of work,” Draxler said. “There are several subcommittees within that that have taken on the task of getting projects, getting volunteers, getting the word out.”
Information about available projects, volunteer registration, the youth art contest and instructions for organizing or suggesting a service project is available through the Cache Valley Day of Service website.
“I just encourage everybody to participate,” Draxler said. “Get out there and volunteer, and we’ll have a great day — a couple of great days.”